Finished multi-sensor units

ABSTRACT

A new system of solar construction, technology and methods for making off-structure constructed panel blocks are disclosed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/970,431 filed Dec. 15, 2015, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/092,793 filed Dec. 16, 2014. U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/970,431 is also: 1) acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/217,288filed Mar. 17, 2014, which claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 61/789,607 filed Mar. 15, 2013; 2) acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/217,427filed Mar. 17, 2014, which claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 61/801,089 filed Mar. 15, 2013; 3) acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/831,496filed Mar. 14, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/129,378 filed May 13, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No.8,794,583, which is a national stage entry of International ApplicationNo. PCT/FR2009/001322 filed Nov. 17, 2009, which claims priority toFrench Patent Application Serial No. 0806419 filed Nov. 17, 2008; and 4)a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/760,965filed Feb. 6, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/129,378 filed May 13, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,794,583,which is a national stage entry of International Application No.PCT/FR2009/001322 filed Nov. 17, 2009, which claims priority to FrenchPatent Application Serial No. 0806419 filed Nov. 17, 2008. All of theforegoing applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosed embodiments relate to building systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the aforementioned aspects of theinvention as well as additional aspects and embodiments thereof,reference should be made to the Description of Embodiments below, inconjunction with the following drawings in which like reference numeralsrefer to corresponding parts throughout the figures.

FIGS. 1A-1F illustrate a perspective view of a Finished MultiSensor Unitcomplex and example rail profiles shown in section views, according tocertain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a Finished MultiSensor Unitcomplex used as a roof, according to certain embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a Finished MultiSensor Unitcomplex wherein the structural capabilities are leveraged for solvinginstallation problems, according to certain embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a Finished MultiSensor Unit andits installation process, according to certain embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a Finished MultiSensor Unitwith solutions for installation, according to certain embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a Finished MultiSensor Unitwith solutions for installation, according to certain embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a Finished MultiSensor Unitwith solutions for installation, according to certain embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a Finished MultiSensor Unitwith solutions for installation, according to certain embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a Finished MultiSensor Unitwith solutions for installation, according to certain embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a Finished MultiSensor Unitconstruction bench, according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of flow chart for site informationanalysis, according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example of flow chart for automated FMU design,construction and installation process, according to certain embodimentsof the invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example of flow chart for statistics analysis,according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example of flow chart for automated designprocess, according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example of implementation or design process,according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of a FMU Canopy, according tocertain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of a FMU CC, according to certainembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of FMU drive, control or safetysystems, according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 19A-19C illustrate a top section view of a blocking system,according to certain embodiments of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Methods, systems, user interfaces, and other aspects of the inventionare described. Reference will be made to certain embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with theembodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit theinvention to these particular embodiments alone. On the contrary, theinvention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications andequivalents that are within the spirit and scope of the invention. Thespecification arid drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Moreover, in the following description, numerous specific details areset forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention.However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art thatthe invention may be practiced without these particular details. Inother instances, methods, procedures, components, and networks that arewell known to those of ordinary skill in the art are not described indetail to avoid obscuring aspects of the present invention.

All or a subset of the solutions, methods, and technologies describedherein can be applied partially or wholly or combined to generatevarious applications.

Although solar cells have recently made progress in terms of efficiencyand cost, their deployment remains slow, complicated and expensive.Because of unresolved technology issues, solar panels are still affixedto supporting structures by using labor intensive processes, which facemany technical problems such as leaks or structural issues. Overallcomplexity of selling, designing, installing and inspecting solarsystems, combined with low efficiency and complexity, result in highcosts and slow penetration of solar solutions. A new approach isdescribed along with the new technologies, components, processes andsystems it uses or enables.

The embodiments disclosed herein present solutions that address theabove problems.

FIG. 1A is a layered perspective view illustrating an example ofembodiment of a Finished Multi-sensor Unit equipped with an example setof components and accessories. FIGS. 1B-1F illustrate examples of railprofiles shown in section views. FIGS. 1A-1F also refer to elementsdescribed in other figures.

Solar implementation traditionally requires installers to design asystem, to procure or fabricate the components needed for the system towork, such as panels, wires, attachment members, etc., and to assemble,attach and connect them. Much labor is usually performed on-structure,often at height, on roofs or elevated structures, which is costly,difficult, dangerous and slow.

A different approach is described: solar systems come as “FinishedMulti-sensor Units”, also referred to as FMUs, which are blocks ofpre-assembled components or mega-components such as panels or solarpanels, structural components, production components, other componentsand accessories, and they allow to install several solar panels or solarpanels at a time and to perform a large part of the assembling labor offsite. Various embodiments of various sizes, functions, aspects orincluding various components can be designed and constructed for variousapplications. In their solar embodiment, FMUs are sets of 6, 8, 10, orany number of solar panels, which along with other components areassembled into blocks that can be moved and installed as a whole. Insome embodiments, FMUs also include components such as structural parts,Longitudinal Supporting Components, waterproofing systems, flashingsystems, attachment systems, decoration components, or other accessoriesor components. In some cases, FMUs systems are used to install productsor solar systems: many components, for example several solar panels withproper components, are assembled in a convenient place such as a factoryor a local or distant shop; these FMUs come as one block that isattached as a whole to the host structure or location so the panels orcomponents do not need to be attached individually, which reduces theonsite labor. The FMU system is designed to meet the requirements of alarge number of cases that correspond to the wide variety of cases thatexist for example in the construction industry. Therefore, the FMUsystem is designed to take a large number of embodiments meeting theneeds of various projects. Solutions to design, construct and installFMUs for various situations are described as examples and othervariations can be designed. Examples of the new technologies, products,systems or processes FMUs need or enable are also described in FIG. 1Aand in other figures.

FMUs can be constructed off host structure either on the same site or ina distant shop: for example if a multi component FMU is to be installedon a roof, it is assembled, off the roof, in the form one or severalmega components which are moved and attached to the host roof; thecrewmembers or the machines that install the FMU on the host locationthus only have to deal with one block or with a few mega componentsinstead of many parts thus reducing the onsite labor and bringing thebenefits of shop enabled processes. In some embodiments, FMUs arecreated or sold virtually. In some embodiments, FMUs are made so theycan be installed automatically. In some cases, FMUs enable automateddesign, robotic construction and online sales. The processes of creatingFMUs and of connecting FMUs, for example connecting a solar FMU to theelectrical grid, can be separate, which allows for large economies ofscale. FMUs enable other applications, several of which are describedtoo.

In some cases, FMUs arrive as Plug and Play devices: finished,assembled, wired, ready to connect and ready to affix to a supportingstructure when they are not self-standing. FMUs considerably reduce theon-site labor, and enable a better quality control and a higher level ofautomation at every step of the process from design to completion.

FMUs are a modular system that has many possible embodiments since itcan comprise various components that can be arranged in various ways inorder to provide different functions or features and to solve a widerange of problems. In some embodiments, a FMU is a roof: it replaces aroof or can be installed in lieu of a roof. In some embodiments, a FMUis installed over a roof. In some embodiments, a FMUs is integrated intoa roof or a façade. In some embodiments, a FMU is used for structuresthat have a roof but it does not fulfill a roofing function. In someembodiments, FMUs are used in structures that are not roofs, such ascarports, ground mounts, domestic canopies, façades or other examples.In some embodiments, FMUs are self-standing structural components suchas columns, walls or other members. Non solar embodiments of FMUs whichuse non solar panels can also be designed. A FMU can be fixed or mobile.In some embodiments, FMUs are designed and constructed in order to allowfor partial or total automation of one or more of the following: theassembling process or of the installation process or of the salesprocess.

Some embodiments of FMUs use new technologies, new components, newdesigns, new tools, new installation techniques and enables newapplications and processes. Examples are described.

FMUs can be constructed as one block. In some cases, in order tofacilitate their installation on site or their usage, they usecomponents that are to be used before or after the main part isinstalled; in this case, the FMU is better described as made of severalmega-components. In the example of FIG. 1A, a FMU is organized in 3“Mega Components”: a “Production Component” (101) also referred to asPComp, an “Attachment Component” (102) also referred to as AComp and a“Data Component”, not illustrated herein since it is data, but in otherembodiments FMUs may come in one piece or be organized differently.Other layouts can be designed. The “Data component” includes informationsuch as for example the instructions for mounting or for use, or othersoft features or programs. The AComp (102) is to be installed first on asupporting structure. The PComp (101) can be constructed off-structure,transported and fastened to the AComp, which is affixed to a hostsupporting structure. The FMU is connected to the electrical network orto the data network using cables (103).

In some embodiments, FMUs comprise one or more of the followingcomponents: sensor panels, active panels or solar panels also referredto as “Panels”, rails also referred to as Longitudinal SupportingComponents (LSC), wires, connectors, fixing members, attachment members,clamps, dressing elements, flashing systems, waterproofing elements,insulation elements, decoration elements, information elements,monitoring systems, interaction systems, intelligent systems, structuralelements, electrical elements, fire protection elements, boards,grilles, architectural components, actuators, devices, drive systems,control systems, brake systems, communication systems, accessories, orother components. The components may form “Mega components” such as“Attachment Components”, “Production components”, “Data components”.

FIG. 1A illustrates an example of embodiment of FMU with the goal ofillustrating what logic is used to develop other embodiments of FMUs inorder to meet the requirements of various situations. Many variations ofthe FMU are possible and they cannot be all illustrated herein.

“Production Component” (101)

In this example of embodiment, a PComp (101) comprises “Panels” (104),attachment “Clamps” (105, 123, 124), “Rails” (106), “Waterproofingbarrier” (107), thermal “Insulation layer” (108), rigid “Board” (109),“Sensors” (110), “Transversal beams” (111), and several examples of“Dressing elements” (114). In other embodiments, other sets ofcomponents are comprised such as “Lower faces”, “Longitudinal beams’,“Pipes”, accessories, computer systems, or other components. FMUs can bedesigned with more or fewer components. In some embodiments, FMUs canmove or rotate or transform (for example with sun-tracking systems orother applications) or take various architectural forms, aspects,functions or technical designs. In some cases, FMUs are part ofintelligent systems.

Panels: Any type of panel (104) can be used such as multi-cell solarpanels, photovoltaic panels, solar water heating panels, regular nonsolar panels, active panels or others. Panels can have any size,orientation, material, aspect or technical specifications. Any number ofpanels can be used or any combination of various types of “Panels”. Theexample in FIG. 1A illustrates a PComp (101) comprising 4 photovoltaicpanels (104). In other embodiments, FMUs comprise any number and type ofcomponents and any number and nature of “Panels”, such as 1 panel, 2panels, 5 panels, 9 panels, 10 panels, 12 panels, 84 panels, 90 panels,96 panels, etc. Panels are attached to rails (106), either attacheddirectly to the rails or secured using clamp systems (105, 123, 124). Insome cases, panels are connected and grounded at the same time they areattached.

Rails (106), also referred to as Longitudinal Supporting Components(LSCs) can be installed in any direction, for example parallel to theshort or to the long side of the panels (104) or other directions. A FMUcomprises one or more rails or other structural components, which can beparallel to each other or not. The rails or structural components aremade of one or several parts and can have any size, shape or material ordesign. The rails can be made of extruded aluminum or folded steel,standard profiles or of any other material or design. The panels orother components such as dressing or accessories, are attached to therails. In some cases, the rails (106) are attached to a supportingmember, such as a “Transversal Beam” (111) or to other members. In somecases, the rails are spaced apart the dimension of a panel (104) and arealigned with the panels' edges, which allows 2 panels to be supported bythe same rail like in FIG. 1A. In other cases, the rails are installedso they meet the panel's or the accessories' or the dressings' or otherFMU's installation requirements: for example a panel can be installed onmore than 2 rails, or a panel can need its supporting rails to be somedistance away from the edges. In some cases, the rails are not parallelto each other. In some embodiments, the rails (106) include a topportion (112) and a central portion (113) as illustrated in FIG. 1B andFIG. 1D. In some cases, rails include gutters, drip formers, sliders, orsupporting portions (118), as illustrated in FIG. 1B, FIG. 1E and FIG.1F. Rails can be designed with various dimensions, materials or shapessuch as a Z shape (119) as illustrated in FIG. 1C, a I shape (120) asillustrated in FIG. 1E, a Omega shape (121) as illustrated in FIG. 1D, acomplex shape (122, 160) as illustrated in FIG. 1B and FIG. 1F, or anyother shape and comprise one or several components. The rail's, or thestructural member's, shape, height, material or profile can be designedspecifically to meet a project's requirements, for example stiffnessrequirements, channel height requirements, accessories bearing or loadbearing requirements, cable tray, or additional functions or features,or other requirements.

Attachment clamps (105): panels (104) are attached to rails (106) eitherdirectly, for example using snap systems or fast fasteners or otherfastening systems, or using clamps (105). Clamps can be short (123) orlong (124). Clamps can be designed so they are attached to the rail(106) and press the panel (104) against the rail in order to hold it.Clamps can have a U shape (124) or a Z shape (123) or other shapes.Depending on the rail design, the clamps can be screwed directly intothe rail, or can be attached using bolts adjusted in sliders part of therail system or other systems. In some cases, a gutter is created inorder to collect water penetrating through the clamp attachment screwholes. In some embodiments, the panel (104) frame (182) and the rail, ora component added to the rail or to the panel, have shapes and featuresthat allow the panel to just snap into place without the need oftraditional screwing.

Waterproofing: in some embodiments, FMUs are waterproof, or even airtight in some cases. Waterproofing is achieved by using a “Waterproofbarrier” (107), also referred to as WB, that prevents water coming fromoutside the FMU such as rain, or from the inside the FMU such ascondensation, to reach below or behind the FMU. Some embodiments of FMUscan be used to provide waterproofing to a place or a structure, forexample when used to create a roof, a façade, a canopy, an awning orother structures. In some embodiments, a waterproof layer (107) spansfrom rail to rail and goes up on the vertical walls of the rails on eachside like a flashing system. In some embodiments, a board (109) or amembrane spans from rail to rail and is connected to the rails or to theflashing systems or to the waterproofing systems in a waterproof mannerso a waterproof layer is created below or behind the panels. In someembodiments, a waterproof layer spans several rails or is installedbelow or behind the rails. In some cases, the rails or other componentsprovide drip formers that prevent water from going behind or below theWB. The WB (107) can be made of any impervious material, such asmembrane, metallic sheet, plastic, fiber glass, synthetic materials,molded, extruded or formed materials or other materials. Favorably, thesystem is designed so one waterproof sheet is as long as the FMU or asthe rails, so there is no leak. The WB (107) can be self-standing or itcan be supported by an underlying material (109) or a board (109). Allwaterproofing systems can also be designed for protection against otherliquids or fluids. In some cases of application, a waterproof membraneis installed on the roof prior to the FMU's installation, whether or notthe FMU has waterproofing features. In some embodiments, thewaterproofing barrier is completed by flashing systems or it includesflashing elements. Favorably, a WB (107) slips under drip formers (161)on some of its sides such as the lateral sides of a channel and providesdrips, flashing or counter-flashing on some sides such as the tips,either in one component such as a formed sheet or in several components.Flashings, drips and waterproofing sheet can be combined in one orseveral parts. In some embodiments, waterproofing sheet, board, membraneflashing systems and drip formers are made out of separate elements.However, in some embodiments, larger components such as folded orembossed metal sheets, formed or molded sheets or components made out ofrigid, flexible or formable material can be fabricated in order tofulfill several functions with fewer components. When FMUs arestandardized products, or when they repeatedly used the same components,standardized “Waterproof barriers” or “Waterproof barrier components”can be used. In some embodiments, the WB is self-standing or supportsitself from rail to rail or from supporting structure to supportingstructure. In some embodiments, the WB lies on a supporting board or onsupporting members or lies on an underlying roof or material. Wheninstalled on a roof or a deck, the WB (107) or its support can touch theroof or the deck, or it can hover over it with a gap. The gap can befilled with material or not. In some cases, even if the FMU includes aWB, a waterproof membrane or sheet is installed below the FMU, forexample on the roof's plywood, in order to obtain an even better levelof waterproofing.

Channel (125): In some cases, the WB (107) or the board (109) or theinsulation layer (108) are distant from the panels (104) so a spacebetween panels, rails and WB or boards is created, which forms a channel(125) that can be used as a ventilation channel for evacuating orextracting, naturally or mechanically, the heat produced by the panelsor for other purposes. Channels may be used to create an air flow (146).The air can enter the channel at one end and exit at the other end. Theair intakes can be made in any side of the channel, such as the front,the top, the sides or the bottom of the channel and they can be open orprotected by grilles. Air intakes can also be created at any point ofthe channel's length. Air intakes can be inert or active or controlled.Rails, boards, panels, waterproofing systems, or other components mayneed to be designed so they allow for creating this channel as needed.

Multi-Function Board (109): in some cases, boards (109) can be installedbetween rails or LSCs (106), or above, below or on the sides of rails.In some cases, boards are supported by a supporting member (118), orthey can be attached to the rail. Boards are often multi-function andare also referred to as “MFBs”. “MFBs” can be rigid or flexible and madeof any material, thickness or specifications. In some embodiments, the“MFBs” are used to make the FMU more rigid, for example in a plane likea sheathing sheet or a bracing system, or to provide support to variousloads such as the WB, accessories or devices. In some cases, loads canbe attached to “MFBs”. In some cases, insulation boards, or decorationboards or functional boards can be used as “MFBs”. In some embodiments,a FMU can be rigid, waterproof and thermally insulating. In some cases,the “MFB” is the WB or is part of it. The “MFB” can be waterproof, madeout of waterproof material such as foam, plastic, metal or othermaterials, and can be sealed, welded, glued or fastened to othercomponents in order to be part of a waterproof system. In some cases,the board is formed, folded, molded or shaped so it provides flashing,drips, seals or other waterproofing or air-tightening features. “MFBs”can span from rail to rail or span several rails or span between thelimits of a waterproof system or can be below or above the rails. “MFBs”can be attached to the rails or to supporting structures or they canstay in place dues to their shape or the shape of their supportingsystems or be clipped. In some embodiments, boards are multifunction. Insome embodiments, “MFBs” are used to provide structural rigidity to aFMU, such as planar rigidity. Other systems such as brackets or bracingsystems can be used instead of a “MFB” or in addition to a “MFB” inorder to provide structural rigidity to a FMU.

Insulation (108): In some cases, FMUs include a thermal or a soundinsulation layer (108) of any thickness or material for example when aFMU is used as a roof or a façade. The insulation material can span fromrail to rail or be installed below or above the rails. It may be rigidand self-supported or lie on a supporting “MFB” (109) like in FIG. 1A oron any type of support. It can also be attached below, above or behind asupporting substrate. “Dressing elements” can also comprise insulatingmaterial. In some embodiments, insulation can be the “MFB” or can be onthe “MFB” or below the “MFB”.

Sensors (110): besides solar sensor panels, any kind of sensor can beused in a FMU including for collecting data that may be used inintelligent systems. Sensors such as temperature sensors, wind sensors,movement sensors, azimuth or slope sensors, pressure sensors, lightsensors, odor sensors, electrical sensors, torque sensors, hygrometrysensors, infra-red sensors, cameras, microphones, presence detectors,position sensors, or any other kind of sensor can be used.

Transversal beams (111): in some cases FMUs use strong LSCs (106), whichprovide rigidity in their longitudinal direction. If the FMU is to betransported, moved or craned without excessive deflection, it may alsoneed rigidity in the transversal direction. In some cases, “TransversalBeams”, also referred to as TBs are a permanent or a temporary componentof the FMU and make the FMU stiffer by providing rigidity, which meansthe FMU, thanks to its TBs, can span larger distances in both directionsbetween supporting points and thus be attached or supported in fewerpoints also referred to as “Fastening points” (127). Two solutions canbe used: either the FMU is rigidified during the transport phase usingreinforcing frames, jigs or bars that can be attached to the FMU andremoved afterwards, or the FMU is built structurally rigid in one orseveral directions by using the transversal structural components, alsoreferred to as TBs (111). The LSCs (106) may be attached to one orseveral TBs by “Attachment members”. The design of the TB can becalculated according to the loads and functions.

In some embodiments, FMUs have 1, or more TBs (111), for example locatedsubstantially close to the ends of the rails or at a distance from theends, and each one of the 1 or more TBs may need to be supported in 2points or more. The TB, in some cases of application, can also befastened to a pre-installed AComp (102). In some embodiments, a FMU maycomprise more than two TBs. Not all of the TBs (111) are necessarilyused to provide fastening to a supporting structure. In some cases,sheathing systems or bracing systems or “MFBs” can be used to complementthe “Production component's” (101) rigidity. In some embodiments, thanksto this technology, a small or large PComp can be supported in only four“Fastening points” (127); any other number of supporting points ispossible. The screws, bolts, or other systems used to fasten the PCompto a supporting structure or to an AComp are referred to as “MainFasteners” (128). In FIG. 1A, an example of TB (111) is illustrated as areversed L profile but it can be any type of beam including channels,tubes, special profiles or wide flange beams for long spans or largeFMUs. The TB can span below the rails, above the rails, at the tip ofthe rails or be in any location an have any design.

“Attachment Component” (102).

FMUs can be used in a great number of cases such as roofs, façades,ground mount, carports, domestic canopies, self-standing structures, orother cases. Installing a FMU that arrives on site as a ready-to-mountblock is a very different process than constructing a system on site, byattaching components individually, layer after layer. In some cases,this FMU includes attachment parts that are used to connect the FMU to ahost structure. These attachment parts can come as a block or asseparate parts that are to meet the FMU's requirement. The attachmentsystem can take various forms depending on the needs. It is referred toas the “Attachment Component” or “AComp”.

In some embodiments, creating a multi panel solar system on the roof ofa house or on a structure using an off-structure constructed multi panelFMU reduces the labor to essentially attaching the PComp (101) to theAComp (102), instead of crews traditionally going on the roof andattaching each panel in several points, one at a time. If an example ofembodiment wherein the AComp comprises 2 horizontal supportingstructures on which the two transversal beams of the PComp are to beattached, affixing the FMU to the roof structure may require onlyattaching 2 or more “Main fasteners” on the top and 2 or more “Mainfasteners” on the bottom, or 2 or more series of fasteners, for exampleone in the top and one in the bottom, which makes the installationprocess much simpler, much faster and automatable. In some cases, thelocation and the design of the transversal beams and the load spreadersmay need to be close to the edges so a crewmember or a machine caneasily attach the “Main Fasteners”.

FMUs can be installed on new structures, such as buildings, carports,canopies, etc., that can be designed to take advantage of FMU'sproperties and to meet their requirements. In this case, using FMUs mayenable innovative architectural or technical designs as well as newconstruction, maintenance and sales processes.

FMUs can also be installed on pre-existing structures. Installingequipment, such as solar systems or architectural elements, on existingstructures, especially on roofs, has been complex and costly because oftwo major problems: leaks and loads.

Leaks: affixing an equipment to a structural member, using screws ornails, often requires piercing the waterproof layer the structuralmember is protected by, thus creating a risk of leaks.

Loads: a new equipment adds loads to the existing structure and maycause structural problems, especially when the load is applied to weaksupporting members.

FMUs allow for solving the problems of leaks and loads, and for reducingthe costs and risks, or for making the whole process simpler.

Leaks:

Traditional solar systems are generally affixed to supporting structuresby many screws, bolts, nails or fasteners, which, when installed onroofs, create holes in the waterproofing sheet and potential risks ofleak. Precautions are usually taken by using sealing or flashingsolutions for each point, but this is very costly and not 100%efficient, and leaks occur frequently.

Using FMUs appropriately designed “AComps” can reduce considerably thenumber of attachment points of the FMU to the host structure, thusreducing the number of roof penetrations (in the case the FMU isinstalled on a roof or any waterproof system), and thus reducing therisks of leak. A FMU system can be designed in order to support a largenumber of panels, or large area of any type of FMU, with only a fewFixing Members.

Using waterproof embodiments of FMUs allows for reducing even more orfor eliminating the risks of leaks: if a FMU has to be designed in sucha way that it is attached to a roof or a waterproof structure and thusneeds roof penetrations (in some cases, the FMU system allows fordesigning non penetrating solutions: see other figures), the pointswhere the FMU or the AComp is affixed to the supporting structure, alsoreferred to as “Fixing points”, can be protected from water by using awaterproof FMU. With a waterproof FMU the attachment points can bepositioned in an area that is protected by the waterproof FMU so that nowater is on the roof and can sneak into the Fixing points and createleaks. In some cases, a waterproof FMU can also be used to provide thewaterproofing function to a structure and, for example, be used insteadof a building's roofing system.

In some cases, using a FMU that is waterproof on part of its area or onall its area may not be sufficient: some water, coming for example fromthe uphill side or from the lateral sides of a roof on which a FMU isinstalled, may however sneak below or behind the FMU. For example watercan be pushed downward by gravity, or pushed laterally by the wind or alateral slope. In these cases, two solutions are proposed: either makethe “Fixing points” waterproof, or block water outside the FMU'sperimeter by using “Waterproof curtains” as described in other figures.

Examples of solutions are illustrated in other figures, especially inFIG. 3-9

Therefore, the leaks problem can be solved by placing the “Fixingpoints” beneath or behind waterproof embodiments of FMUs or within theFMU's perimeter flashing systems but the consequence is that the “Fixingpoints” lie beneath or behind the FMU and may not be uneasy to install.Installation is made easy by splitting the FMU into 2 parts: an AComp isinstalled first and a PComp is then attached to it.

Loads:

With pre-existing structures, for example existing buildings, two loadrelated issues need to be solved:

The “Fastening points” location and characteristics need to meet theFMUs requirements and location.

The loads are concentrated in fewer points, and the designer needs tomake sure the supporting structure can accept these loads.

Using FMUs allows for solving these problems.

An AComp (102) is used: once it is installed on the supportingstructure, the PComp is attached to it by “Main fasteners” (128). TheAComp, no matter how it is affixed to the supporting structure, canprovide the “Fastening points” (127) the “Production component” (101)needs. Several types of supporting structures or of attachment systemscan share the same “Fastening points” (127) design, which allows forlarge standardization of the products, installation processes and tools.Many embodiments of AComps and PComps can be designed in order to meetthe requirements of a wide range of cases.

The AComp is a “Mega component” that includes all the parts needed toprovide support or connection to the PComp and therefore the “Attachmentcomponent's” design may differ depending on the project or the case tobe solved or the PComp design. In some cases, the AComp comprises“Attachment pods” (145) that are affixed to a roof's structural member,rafter or purlin and each “Attachment pod” provides a “fastening point”to a “PComp”; in some embodiments, the AComp works like a beam systemthat transfers loads from the points where a PComp needs fastening tothe points where a supporting structure can take these loads; in somecases, the AComp comprises columns and supporting arms or mobile systemsor other structures, like in carports or domestic canopies, or flat roofbuildings or ground mount. In some cases, the AComp comprises “Loadspreaders” (129) or “Spreader legs” (131, 132, 133, 134, 135) asdescribed below. The AComp can come as an off-structure assembled blockor as a set of components to be installed.

When the host structure is too weak to accept the FMU's concentratedloads, for example in the case of existing buildings with metal orwooden structure and metal sheets or plywood sheets supporting a roofingmaterial, “Load spreaders” (129) can be used.

“Load spreaders” (129) are systems designed to support the “P Comp”. Insome cases, they are designed to turn a concentrated load into a loadthat is distributed either on a larger area of supporting sheet or on alarger number of supporting members such as rafters, purlins or beams soeach “Fixing point” has less load. Instead of supporting a system by fewdifficult to make, complex and expensive points, FMUs and “Loadspreaders” allow using a larger number of basic and inexpensive pointsthat crew members or robots can install quickly. “Load spreaders” can beaffixed to any type of underlying structure using “Fixing members”(130), which can be of any kind, such as screws, bolts, glue, or others.For example, the “Fixing members” can be bolts attached to a metallicstructure, screws or nails affixed to underlying wooden purlins, screwsor nails affixed to an underlying plywood or other kinds of sheets, orother fasteners. In some embodiments, the “Load spreaders” (129) dividethe concentrated loads transmitted by the “Main fasteners” (128) by thenumber of “Fixing members”, which are spread on a large area ofsupporting material such as plywood, metal sheet or any supportingmaterial or structure; in other cases the “Load spreaders” distributethe concentrated loads transmitted by the “Main fasteners” (128) toseveral “Fixing members” (130) affixed to several rafters or purlins orstructural members. If the underlying structures such as purlins orrafters are not visible, they may be discovered using tools such as studfinders or other tools, either manually or robotically. In order tospread this load, “Load spreaders” can use “Load spreader legs” (131) orlarger plates, or other systems.

A “Load spreader” (129) can be a punctual pod (145) providing support toa “Main fastener” (128), and possibly spreading the load on a large areausing plates or legs (131), or it can be a beam that spreads the load ona greater length. In specific some embodiments, “Load spreaders” (129)are beams as long as the “Production component's” transversal beam,which provide room for fastening the “Production component's” (101) TBto the “Spreader beam” in one or several points. In the exampleillustrated in FIG. 1A, a TB (111) is connected to rails (106), both arepart of the PComp (101). The TB (111), as wide as the FMU, is connectedto all of the rails (106). TBs can be connected to LSCs in any way, suchthe TBs can be below the LSCs, above the LSCs or within the LSCs height,they can be at the tip of the LSC or distant from the tip. TBs may bepre-pierced to facilitate the installation. In this example, the AComp(102) comprises a “Load spreader” system (129), which may comprise a“Spreader beam” (130) and in some cases “Spreader legs” (131). In theexample of FIG. 1A, the “Spreader beam” (162) is as long as the TB butin other embodiments it could have a different size or there could beseveral smaller “Spreader beams”. In this example, the “Spreaderbeam”(162) is an L profile and it is designed to match the “Transversalbeam's” (111) profile, but the designer can use any other set ofprofiles or designs. The “Spreader beam” can be affixed to a supportingstructure by “Fixing members” (130), for example screwed to a plywoodsheet or screwed or nailed through the plywood into underlying raftersor purlins. If needed, the “Spreader beam” can be supported by “Spreaderlegs” (131), which allow for dividing the load by an even larger numberof “Fixing members” (131), which are spread on a larger area.

“Spreader legs” (131), “Spreader beams” (162), or “Attachment pods”(145) can either rest directly on the supporting structure or hover overthe structure using spacers so water can pass below or between them.Spacers can include waterproofing systems such as seals or waterproofscrews. Spacers and adjustment blocks can also be used to make up forlack of flatness in the supporting sheet or structure. FIG. 1Aillustrates a few examples of “Spreader legs” such as long legs (132),short legs (133), plates (134) or multi member legs (135) among manyother possible embodiments.

In some cases, “Load spreaders” (129), “Spreader legs” (131),“Attachment pods” (145) or AComps (102) are affixed to an existing roof,either after the covering material such as tiles, shakes, shingles,etc., has been removed on all or some of the area of the FMU, forexample in order to remove weight, or removed only on the area needed toattach the Fixing components, or on top of the non-removed coveringmaterial such as shingles, which is faster. When “Load spreaders”,possibly including “Spreader legs” are installed, for example screwed ornailed, on top of non-removed shingles, their sole that rests on theroof may include seals so no water flowing on the roof sneaks into thefixing holes, and sealing washer or other sealing systems can be putaround the screw or nail. This way it is possible in some cases toinstall “Load spreaders” directly on a roof without removing thecovering material and without creating a “Waterproof curtain”. This jobof installing “Load spreaders” without flashing or roofing removal canbe done by crews or by automated machines that in some cases haveinformation about the expected location of the “Load spreaders”, thenature of the roof or the supporting structure, and about their own 3dpositioning. The exact design of the AComp depends on the supportingstructure, on the PComp and on other factors. In some cases, the AComponly consists in a few attachment points such as pods for example andthe PComps fits on them. In some cases, the attachment points are partof the PComp and come with it for direct attachment without the need foran AComp.

In the example of FIG. 1A, the AComp (102) is to be affixed first to asupporting structure (163). The PComp (101) is to be driven down to thetop of the AComp (102) so the TB (111) fits on top of the “Spreaderbeam” (162). Exact positioning may be manual or automated, possiblyusing positioning data part of a “Data component” provided with the FMU,possibly compared to 3D measurements performed after the AComp wasinstalled in real time. When in position, “Main fasteners” (128) areinstalled manually or robotically, thus securing the FMU onto thebuilding or the supporting structure.

“Load spreaders” can also distribute the load from structural member tostructural member, for example from rafter to rafter. Each “Loadspreader” can have any shape, size, material and design; “Loadspreaders” can be individual pods or longer beams, or beams plussupporting legs, both of any design and material, and spread the loadson an even larger area. When the “Load spreader” is a beam, it can beaffixed to a supporting structure by as many “Fixing members” asnecessary, and it can be designed so it provides strong “Fasteningpoints” to a “Production component”. For example, a “Load spreader” canbe affixed to a roof by 15 “fixing members” but support a PComps by only2 “Fasteners”, or 2 “Fastening points”: it concentrates the loads. Othernumbers are possible. In some cases “Load spreaders” enable to give thelocation of the “Main fasteners” some degree of independence relative tothe host building's supporting structure, which allows for usingstandard FMUs, anywhere regardless of the supporting structure.Installing many “Fixing members” this way can be done manually orrobotically.

In traditional solar applications, using many screws or nails to affixthe panels to a roof is a major problem because it may involve piercingthe roof's waterproofing sheet in order to reach the underlyingstructural components, which may cause leaks. Using many “Fixingmembers” as described above could result in the same problem, but whenwaterproof FMUs are used and properly installed the holes are notexposed to water. So, regardless how many holes are made in the roof,the FMU concept may allow to design the system described that allows nowater to be present nor to leak through these holes.

Therefore waterproof FMUs allow for spreading the loads by multiplyingthe fixing holes and the “Fixing members” and many roofs or structuresthat previously needed to be reinforced prior to installing anyequipment on them can now support FMUs. Installing the supporting pointsbecomes easy since, in some cases, it mainly consists in nailing orscrewing many “Fixing members” on undifferentiated surfaces with verylittle preparation, which means it can be done quickly by crews orautomatically by machines. In some cases, sealing systems are used forwith “fixing members” so no leak is created.

In some cases, even if water coming from above is stopped by the FMUs,it may still be necessary to stop water from coming from around theFMUs, for example water flowing on a roof a FMU is installed on orintegrated into. The solutions for creating a “Waterproof curtain”around the FMUs are described in other figures.

In some embodiments, “Spreader beams” and TBs are combined in 1component. In this case, PComp and AComp may be combined and installedin the same time, which in some cases allows for a simpler installationprocess in 1 step only.

Cable, data. FMUs may output power, especially when they comprisephotovoltaic panels. They may also use or produce data. In some cases,FMUs include internal cable trays or cable circulation systems,including cross rail connections.

FMUs may produce electricity or data or use electricity or data or both.FMUs may be part of complex systems such as building or home energymanagement systems and exchange data or modify settings according tosystem's directions. Some embodiments of FMUs comprise electricaldevices that need or produce power or data, such as motors, sensors,computer systems, lights, cameras, 2D or 3D vision systems, heaters,coolers, sound systems, display devices, mobile or active parts,intelligent systems, power plugs, or other equipment or accessories.

In some cases, FMUs also include easy connection systems so thatconnecting a FMU to a network can be done by connecting very few cablesor plugs: in some cases, a large FMU comprising many solar panels couldbe fully connected using only 1 or 2 cables per string, or even less ifmicro-inverters are used, and 1 cable for grounding and sometimes 1 orseveral cables for data.

In some cases, “Super plugs” can be used. “Super plugs” are plugs thatinclude several or all of the electrical connections a FMU needs tomake, in order to make connections easier, faster, more standardized andmore reliable. “Super plugs” may be used for electrical powerconnections or for data connection, or both. “Super plugs” can bestandardized so the FMUs and the host network have the same type ofconnectors easily pre-installed. In some cases, the FMU comes in oneblock and its “Super plug” connects to the “Super plug” of a hostnetwork or of a supporting structure. In some cases, a “Super plug”comes with the PComp and connects to a “Super plug” attached to anAComp. In some cases, attaching the PComp to the AComp or attaching theFMUs to its supporting structure also connects the electrical or datasystems in the same time.

When FMUs use photovoltaic panels or electrical panels or devices, thepanels or other devices may need to be connected and grounded. In thiscase, grounding components can be included when the FMUs are offstructure constructed before transportation. Metallic components such asrails may be connected in order to provide contact, communication orgrounding. Favorably, panels are grounded in the same time as they areattached to the rails for example via the screws or using groundingwashers or cables or other systems. The rails may be connected so theydirectly provide grounding.

If photovoltaic panels are used, they may use micro-inverters thatoutput AC current, which means AC cables have to be run out of the FMUsand connected to the host network. If regular inverters are used, thepanels may be connected in strings, which have to be connected toinverters. Inverters may be either attached to the FMUs, on the PComp oron the AComp, or be elsewhere.

FMUs may need electrical boxes, electrical panels or other electricalequipment, which, depending on the embodiments, can be part of the FMUsor not. In some embodiments, FMUs arrive as Plug and Play devices,completely wired and finished, that one only has to plug, and in somecases attach, for them to start working.

If liquid systems are used, such as solar water heating panels, coolingor heating systems, lubrication fluids, or other liquids or gases, theFMUs may include fluid circulation networks inside and easy connectionto host networks outside.

The “Data component” may come with the FMU and include any set of datasuch as with mounting kits, plans, instructions or other data thatdesigners, clients, installers, maintenance people, permittingauthorities, service providers or professionals may need. The “Datacomponent” package may include soft components such as engineeringcomponents, such as mounting instruction or positioning data,measurements, plans, 3D positioning data or instructions, testingprotocols or results, track records, components or systemsidentification, data base entries, connection protocols, identificationsystems, as well as marketing components, complete service andinteraction for many years, financing components, permitting components,mounting components and others. The “Data component” can also beutilized when automated processes are used. For example, a roboticmounting machine can use 3D data and other data. The data can be of anytype such as 3d measurements or information, fabrication records orprocesses, testing processes or records, sales data, site data, mountingor operation instructions or any other data.

The exact location of the attachment points and the exact knowledge ofthe components and of the supporting structure's specifics are key tothe operation's success and accurate initial measurement andcomputerized design can make the process much more efficient. In somecases, the whole installation process can be partly or entirelyrobotized and may require little or no human labor. Same is true for thedesign and measurement processes.

FMUs are modular products that can easily be made in various sizes orconfigurations. In some embodiments FMUs can be built out of a set ofstandardized components such as various types of panels, of rails, ofmounting systems, of accessories, of features, of aspects, etc., whichcombined together allow for creating a very large palette ofembodiments. An ever wider range of applications can be created bycombining together various embodiments since several FMUs can bearranged together to form larger projects.

When taken to industrial scale, FMUs become a standardized product thatpeople get used to installing, designing, permitting, maintaining, andbuying. The whole solar process, or any other implementation process, isthus made simpler and more affordable.

Due to the variety of their embodiments, “FMUs'” can be presented andmarketed by lines of products, which can have various sizes, shapes,power, aspect, finish or specifications, and which can solve manyparticular cases and target various markets such as domestic of variousstyles, commercial of various styles, carports with several models,domestic canopies, ground mount, or other products. FMUs can also beseen as Plug and Play products that can be selected, configured orcustomized and sold online and installed robotically as described inother figures. Examples of some of these embodiments are illustrated inother figures.

However the range of cases to be addressed is very large and no line ofproduct can fit them all. Therefore, FMUs can also be personalized,customized or completed with various features, accessories or dressingcomponents, in order to reach any shape, size, aspect or technicalrequirement.

Specific embodiments can be designed by combining, removing, adding ortuning components or settings such as number and type of panels, numberand type of rails, location and geometry of the rails, type of mountingsystem and attachment system, ventilation channel, waterproofingsolutions, gutters, flashing, airtightness, hot air extraction, thermalinsulation, thermal components, additional functions such as sensors orintelligent systems, electrical systems, type of under layer, etc. Anycomponent can exist in several versions and, in some cases, differentversions can be combined, thus allowing a large number ofconfigurations.

Additional elements referred to as “Dressing elements” can be added inorder to customize the FMUs even more in order to achieve any shape,size or function such as technical requirements, added functions orspecifications, or architectural requirements. For example, it ispossible to create FMUs of any shape, in 2D or 3D, such as triangular,square, curbed, trapezoid, or to match a roof's shape and size or tomeet a designer's desire or for any reason. “Dressing elements” can beused to extend the FMUs wider or longer or thicker, or to give it morefeatures or to change its aspect and to customize it in any way.“Dressing elements can have any shape, size, material, design orfunction, and can be solid or hollow, walkway, gratings, or grilles,embossed, flat, or decorative, opaque, transparent, luminous, inert,active or intelligent. “Dressing elements” are generally part of theoff-structure constructed FMU but can in some cases, they may be mountedindependently. “Dressing elements” can be self-supported or can userails (106) or rail variations or other supports. “Dressing elements”comprise for example “Top dressing elements” (114), “Lateral dressingelements” (117), “End dressing elements” (116). “Dressing elements” mayfulfill additional functions, have a different finish or have shapes orsizes or aspects different than the one provided by the only panels(104). “Dressing elements” are often used to adjust the size of a FMU toa dimension different from that of the panels, or to adjust functions orthe look and feel of the FMU. Panels can also be used, such as plainpanels, luminous panels, sensor panels, information panels, activepanels, etc. For example, a FMU may need to be larger, wider or thickerthan the only panels set and use “Dressing elements” for this purpose.In some cases, “Dressing elements” can also provide flashing,connection, sensors or others functions. In some cases, “Dressingelements” have an aesthetic purpose. FIG. 1A illustrates an example ofFMU using “Top dressings” (114), “Lateral dressing” (117), “Lower face”(181), “Front dressing” (115) and “End dressing” (116). “Dressingelements” can be fixed or mobile or active: for example, ventilationsgrilles can be fixed or opening, or removable, or they can haveautomatic status detection (for example for checking if they clogged,dirty, of for measuring the flows, etc), or they can have automatedcleaning devices or maintenance devices or status changing systems.Examples of FMU personalization are illustrated in other figures.

Flashing (126): in some cases, for example when they are integrated intowaterproof systems such as roofs or other structures, FMUs need to usesystems to provide waterproof sealing to connection areas. Components,also referred to as “Flashing elements” (126) are used: when a FMU iswaterproof, it can, in some cases of application, replace a roof or beintegrated into a waterproof roof and a connection may need to be madewith external waterproof systems. “Flashing elements” can be used, suchas flashing sheets installed on the edges of the FMU, or on the rails,or on “Dressing elements” or on the TB s, in order to prevent water fromflowing below the FMUs or to provide sealing when the FMUs connects to awall or another roofing component. In some cases, “Flashing elements”are hidden by “Dressing elements”. “Flashing elements” can also be usedinside the FMU, for example around the edges of a waterproof layer.Several examples of FMUs using flashing systems are described in otherfigures.

In some embodiments, FMUs comprise a “Lower face” (181), which may becustomizable too, have various shapes, materials or functions. In someembodiments, the “lower face” can handle various functions such assupporting loads or accessories. It can also be visible like in adomestic canopy and be personalized. Examples are illustrated in otherfigures.

“Lower face” and “Dressing elements” can also be fixed, mobile,removable or interchangeable and include accessories such as lightsystems, sound systems, temperature control systems, sensors, imagecapture systems, technical systems, active devices, luminous systems,decoration or architectural elements or any other component or feature.Examples of dressing elements are provided only to illustrate how widethe range of possibilities is.

FIG. 1A illustrates an example of embodiment wherein the FMU includes 4panels (104), which are attached to parallel rails (106) using twoexamples of clamps (123, 124). Any other size, type and number ofpanels, number and length of rows of panels could be used. In thisembodiment, the rails are aligned with the panels' edges. In otherembodiments, the rails could be oriented differently and not necessarilyaligned with the panels' edges. In this example, the rails are attachedby screws or bolts or glue or welding to TBs (111) but they could beattached to another structure. The rail (106) has a central portion(113) made of 2 substantially vertical walls (but it could be only onewall) spaced apart so a waterproofing sheet going up on the side of eachwall can be screwed through the wall on each side without piercing theother side; and a top portion substantially perpendicular to the walls,where the panels are attached. The central portion (113) is oriented soit provides sufficient distance between the top portion (112) and theattachment portion. The attachment portion (118), favorably united tothe central portion (113) provides contact with the supportingstructure. Each of these portions is shaped according to the needs. Inthis example, the top portion is wider than the central portion andoverhangs in order to form drip formers (161) under which flashing orwaterproofing elements can be water-protected or in order to attachoptional parts such as cable trays, gutters or others. Drip formerscould also be designed another way. In some cases, the top portion orthe bottom portion of the rail include a slider in which a nut can slideand allow for attaching loads, clamps or panels. In some cases, a hollow(180) is created below the top part in order to create an internalgutter or a channel so the water that might leak by the screw holes whena clamp is screwed into the top part is collected and evacuated away. Inthis example, the two rows of panels are set differently: one row isequipped with a waterproof barrier (107) that creates a channel (125),which can be used for ventilation (146) or for other purposes such asmaintenance or data collection. The other row includes no closed channeland ventilation is achieved by air flowing freely. However, boards orinsulation, or waterproofing could be used if needed. The WB spansbetween the two rails and goes up on the rail's wall on each side as aflashing system where it slips behind a drip former. The waterproofbarrier may be self-standing or rest on a supporting board (109) or on alayer of insulation material (108), which can be a rigid board or anyother material. It can be made of various materials such as membrane,molded or synthetic materials, a metal or aluminum sheet. In thisexample, it is made of a folded aluminum sheet that spreads all thelength of the channel without any junction or seal and thus leak-free.It is attached to the rail on the upper part of the lateral banks, forexample screwed, nailed, riveted, stapled, glued or maintained by amechanical system. The rails are supported by a TB (111) which issupported by an AComp (102) that has been described earlier.

FIG. 1A illustrates an example of a customized FMU using examples of“Dressing elements”. In this example, the ventilation channel (125) endsare customized using a “Front dressing element” (115) that is a grilleor louvres of any type (136) with an example of material and an “Enddressing element” (116) that is a grille of any type (137). The row thathas no closed channel illustrates examples of non-breathing “Dressingelements”: a “Front dressing element” (115) that is a plate with aspecific pattern or aspect (138) and the “End dressing element” (116)that is a solid block (139) of any shape with another example ofmaterial. In this example, “Dressing elements” are supported by railsbut other supporting solutions can be used. On the right of FIG. 1A areillustrated four examples of “Top dressing elements” (114, 142, 140,143, 144) using various materials. One of the “Top dressing elements”(142) is not rectangular: it illustrates the fact that FMUs can have anyshape regardless of the panels' shape. In this example, the FMU usesalso “Top dressing elements” (148, 149) at the bottom end of the panels'rows. They can have any shape or material, such as solid (148) orventilation grilles (149) or any other shape. This allows to create FMUsthat meet many requirements such as for example matching the shape of anexisting roof.

FIG. 1A also illustrates examples of “Lateral dressing elements” (117):on the right side is a finishing plate (141) used for architecturalpurposes, for example for making a nice color or for hiding a lateralflashing system.

In another example, the FMU could be tuned to match the environment'scharacteristic such as the color or material of a roof or any kind oftuning that may be desired. Some parts may be raw material, some partsmay be painted, some parts may be coated or covered or dressed, someparts may be shaped, deformed, engraved or sculpted, etc.

On the left side of FIG. 1A is a lateral dressing element (117) that canbe used as a “Flashing system” (126). It could also be used with orhidden by an additional “Lateral dressing element” such as the oneillustrated on the right (141). A “Lower face” (181) is alsoillustrated.

Wires (103), for power or data, or fluid hoses, may come with the“P-Comp”.

A FMU may come as a totally finished or as a to-be-finished product.

Other embodiments of FMUs include active FMUs that can move or rotate ortransform (for example with tracking systems) or that can take variousarchitectural forms, aspects or functions or various technical designsor that can be part of intelligent systems. Other embodiments of FMUsinclude portable ‘FMUs”, foldable FMUs, self-standing FMUs that can beeither fixed or using a hinge, or rest on 2 or more legs and be eitherfixed or rotating on a horizontal axis like for a domestic sun-trackingcanopy, or rest on 1 leg and be either fixed or rotating on a horizontalor vertical axis or that comprises foldable parts. Examples areillustrated in other figures.

Embodiments of FMUs can be fixed or mobile such as rotating on ahorizontal axis for example in a carport application, or may interactwith the environment and may take advantage of an additional sun lightusing a reflecting surface such as a mirror, a metal sheet, a layer ofwater or other liquid, or any reflective environment.

Since FMUs are easy to mount and are rigid, they can be used in mobileor moving applications, and since they can be equipped with sensors andwires, they can be used to create a large range of intelligent orrobotic systems. FMUs can be part of more complex systems such asbuildings, machines, robots or devices. Active sun-tracking carports ordomestic canopies are examples of products created using FMUs.

In some cases, the FMU is tested before it leaves the assembly shop. TheFMU can be finished and tested in every aspect such as mechanically (forexample panel attachment's completion, resistance, rigidity, planeness,etc.), electrically (for example connection, efficiency, grounding,panel flashing, etc.), architecturally (for example control of theaspect, control of the dimensions, control of waterproofing, dimensioncontrols, colors, materials, code complying, shapes or planeness,position of the handles), testing of any functional systems. The testresults can be recorded and stored in a database or provided to theclient as well as all the prefabrication data such as mountingprocesses, screwing torque, as well as the components' sourcing,testing, processing, etc., traceability. In some cases, each FMU can beidentified and tracked with an identity code. The fabrication process,as well as the installation process or everything happening at the hostlocation, can also be recorded by cameras, various sensors, and systemsrecording the actions performed by robotic systems or people as well asthe environment. A FMU can also be equipped with auto control systemseither for its making or for its further use and life. Theprefabrication system can drive the supply chain and sourcing process,test and control the supplied components before using them and recordthe data. The FMU can be constructed on a mounting frame or table, onthe ground or on other systems. Off-structure construction can useautomated or partly automated processes such as automated or partlyautomated positioning of the components, automated or partly automatedfixing of the components (such as screwing, soldering, welding,positioning, installation) or use some level of manual labor. Manualoperations can be mixed with automated or semi-automated operations,including in the case of customized products.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example ofutilization of a FMU (201) as a replacement for a roof, or in lieu ofthe roof of a structure, or as a component of a structure. It could alsobe used as a façade, or any other part of a structure. In other cases ofapplication, FMUs or other systems are to be installed on a structureinstead of in lieu of a roof. FIG. 2 also refers to elements that havebeen described in FIG. 1A or in other figures.

In the example of FIG. 2, a FMU (201) which has been built offstructure, either onsite or in a distant shop, is attached by liftingpoints (209) to a lifting or moving system (210) and moved, craned orlifted on the top of a building (202). Key points (212) of the FMU areto match key points (211) of the host structure. FIG. 2 also illustratesan example of process for installing one or more FMUs on a hoststructure (202) by craning off site constructed FMUs onto a preparedroof or structure of any kind, as well as methods for gatheringinformation, designing, fabricating and installing FMUs or other systemson host structures.

In some embodiments, FMUs can be used as roofs or façades in new orpre-existing structures. In this example, the FMU is the whole roof of astructure, but it could be only a part of a roof or of a façade. Theroof or the façade to be created can be made of one, as in this example,or several combined FMUs. The FMU can be built in place or it can bebuilt off-structure and be transported to its final location.

In this embodiment, the building or the structure (202) may have beendesigned with FMUs in mind and the “Fastening points” A, B, C, D (203)have been built accordingly. In other cases, the building could beexisting and need a roof replacement. In some cases, an AComp has to beinstalled in order to provide the FMU with proper “Fastening points”(203). The FMU can also be designed specifically to meet a hoststructure's (202) requirements. FMUs can be created in many versions andcan be customized, such as adapted in size, material, aspects, featuresor functions. The designer of a building can choose from many presetconfigurations or get a FMU built to particular specifications.

In this example, one large FMU is being used. It has been builtoff-structure and it is being lifted in one piece (in some cases,several FMUs could be used) to a destination structure (202). The FMU isa full roof, solar and photovoltaic, complete with its own structure. Itis made rigid by LSCs (208) and 2 TBs (206), which due to the large sizeof the FMU are in this example 2 strong beams and each beam only needsto be fastened to the supporting building in 2 or more “Fasteningpoints”. In this example, the FMU can be designed so it is a structuralpart of the building or not. Therefore, the building's structure onlyhas to provide support to 4 or more “Fastening points” (203) and itsstructure can be in some cases simpler and less expensive than with aclassical roof. Installing the FMU may be quicker than building aclassical roof. In other embodiments, the designer would define thestructure according to the one or several FMUs to be used andvice-versa. Using FMUs enables to develop specific structural orarchitectural designs, specific construction processes and to rethinkthe whole project development process.

Depending on the selected embodiments, the FMU may include waterproofingor not, thermal insulation or not, ventilation channel or not,additional functions or not, as well as “Dressing elements”, otherfeatures or options. In the example of FIG. 2, the FMU (201) is to beinstalled in lieu of the roof of a building (202) and therefore, in thisembodiment, it is waterproof, sealed and thermally insulated. Rain wateror condensation water are collected in waterproof channels between therails (208) and they also permit the solar panel's ventilation. In thisexample, the FMU (201) includes “End dressing elements” such asventilation grilles (204) and “Lateral dressing elements” (205) thathelp provide an architectural finish to the building. Sealing orflashing systems may have to be installed at the connection area ifrequired by the design. A set of cables (207), or in some cases one orseveral “Super plugs”, come with the FMU and only have to be connected.If the roof is photovoltaic, it may include pre-installed and pre-wiredsolar panels, inverters and grounding, sensors or electronic components;in some other cases, the inverters are installed close to the building'selectrical panel or meter, or elsewhere, and are not attached to theFMU. A larger roof (201) could be made of several FMUs connectedtogether. The structure could be different and require more or fewer“Fastening points” (203), possibly designed another way. In some cases,an AComp would need to be built in order to provide the exact “Fasteningpoints” the FMU needs.

The FMU (201), or the complex made of several FMUs, may be a regularroof, a solar photovoltaic roof, a solar thermal roof, an intelligentroof, or any other function or mix of functions and characteristics.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view that illustrates three examples ofembodiments wherein the structural capabilities of a FMU are leveragedfor solving installation problems. Other embodiments are possible. FIG.3 also illustrates an example of process for installing one or more FMUson a host structure by craning off site constructed FMUs onto a preparedroof or structure of any kind, as well as methods for gatheringinformation, designing, fabricating and installing FMUs or other systemson host structures. FIG. 3 also refers to elements that have beendescribed in FIGS. 1 and 2 or other figures.

An example of FMU (301) is illustrated. It could also be 3 smaller FMUs(308, 309, 310) combined together, or any other combination. This FMU(301) is installed on a supporting structure that illustrates 3different but common cases. FMU (308) is hovering over a sloped roof(303). A FMU (309) is installed on a random structure (307). A FMU (310)is installed on the flat roof (304) of a building.

In this example, the FMU (301) comprises structural LSCs (306) thatprovide longitudinal rigidity so the FMU (301) can span long distancesin the longitudinal direction. The LSCs may be supported or boundtogether by TBs (315, 302) which can be any type of beam or structure.In this example, a wide flange beam (302) is used as a TB to span longdistances in the transversal direction. Therefore the FMU (301) is ablespan long distances in both directions and a large system can besupported by very few points. The number and the quality of thesupporting points depends on the design and the requirements. If the FMU(301) is in one piece, the TB (302) is in some cases able to providerigidity either when installed on the supporting structure or when beingtransported (reinforcing frames from transportation can also be used),or both.

However, other TBs (315) could exist in the same time and have anotherdesign or size: for example they could help rigidify the FMU (301), orif several FMUs (308, 309, 310) are combined together, and each one hasbeen separately constructed off-structure and shipped, the TBs (315)could give the FMU (301) its transversal rigidity. In this case, the TB(302) would be used as an AComp and serve to transfer the loads from theFMU (301) to “Fixing points” located where the supporting structure canaccept them or another beam, part of an AComp could support several FMUsand connect them to the supporting structure.

In FIG. 3, a FMU embodiment (308) is hovering over a sloped roof that isnot to be touched or that is to be touched as little as possible, suchas a tile or shake roof (303) or other cases. As tiles are rigid andfragile, lying on them is problematic. Traditional solar systems areusually attached to tiled roofed buildings by supporting legs that needto be attached to an underlying structure of the roof such as purlins orrafters, generally after removing the tiles, sometimes opening theplywood sheet, reinforcing the rafter, breaching the waterproof layer,sealing it, using flashing, etc . . . which overall is a costly job, andwhich may create leaks. Instead, a FMU (301, 308) can simply hover atany height and angle over the tiled roof (303) without touching it andwithout compromising its waterproofing or very little.

The FMU (308) can, in some cases, be attached outside the roof (303),for example at the eave and at the ridge or the sides of a roof, andstep over the roof without touching it. On the eave side, or on thelateral sides, one or several brackets (312) can be created and attachedto “Fixing points” (317) in walls (316), beams or other supportingstructures.

In some cases, “Fixing points” have to be created inside the roof area.When “Fixing points” are needed on the ridge of a roof, brackets or a“Fixing pods” can be created and attached to whatever support isavailable, such as walls, beams, purlins or other structures. Ifattaching the ridge side member involves opening the existing roofwaterproof membrane, flashing solutions can be used as described inother figures. When “Fixing points” are created within the roof area,for example on the ridge line or anywhere else on the roof area, one orseveral tiles are removed, a “Fixing pod” is affixed to an underlyingbeam, and sealing or flashing is created around this penetration pointso no leak is created. Since the FMU has very few supporting points, thelabor intensive job of creating “Fixing points” this way is repeatedonly a few times. Favorably, a waterproof FMU can be used in order toprotect the “Fixing points” from the rain thus reducing the risks ofleaks.

In some cases, one or several large FMUs can be supported by an AComp,which collects the loads of the one or several FMUs and transmits themto the selected “Fixing points”. In some cases, the underlying structureneeds to be reinforced in order to accept these loads. In some cases,“Spreader beams” or “Spreader legs” are installed under the tiles andthen in some cases covered again by the tiles, in order to distribute ordivide the loads. When the roofing material is other than tiles, such asshakes, cement, wood, etc., or when hovering over a roof is desired forany reason, the solutions can be adjusted to the specific case.

Waterproof FMUs can be used in some cases. If a puncture is to be madein the waterproof sheet, it may in some cases be done below a FMU'swaterproof layer or behind a “Waterproof curtain” or a ridge flashingsystem so there is no water to leak through the punctures created. Inthis example, FMU (308) includes a WB (325), although it is installedabove a supposedly waterproof tiled roof, in order to help preventpossible leaks at the ridge attachment point or elsewhere.

The “FMU” embodiments (309, 310) have no WB in this example, althoughthey could have one as they have other features such as sensors,lighting systems, heating systems, etc., for example in order to protectfrom the rain the roof-top equipment they span over or for any otherreason. If attaching the FMU in few points creates loads that areconcentrated and too high for the supporting structures, “Loadspreaders” and “Spreader legs” can be used. If the FMU (308) is not aslarge as the roof it steps over, its structural members such as LSCs orTBs can be extended enough to reach the remote “Fixing points”. In somecases, an AComp is created so it can be attached to the supportingstructure and provide proper “Fastening points” to a PComp wherever itthey need to be. The FMU (301) can use any customization and any“Dressing elements” (319). The TBs (315, 302) can be classicallyinstalled below or behind the LSCs they support as described in FIG. 1A,or at the tip of the LSCs, at the same level, or above the LSCs, inorder to create a thinner, nicer or more efficient assembly or to solvespecific problems. With embodiments of FMU that include a ventilationchannel (324), alternate air entries or air exhausts can be created suchas on the lower face or the upper face of the FMU (301) so the raised TBdoes not block the ventilation channel's air entries. The TB does nothave to be at the tip of the LSCs (306), it can be anywhere.

The FMU (309) is supported by any kind of structure (307) and spansbetween distant supporting points. The FMU (309) can be supported by“Fixing pods” (313) either directly or via TBs (302). This configurationcould also be found for example on a ground mount structure or othertypes of supporting structures.

FMU (310) is an example of embodiment installed on a flat roof (304), oron the ground or on any situation where touching the ground or the flooras little as possible is preferred or where the ground or the floor isnot flat or is cluttered. In this example, the FMU (310) is hoveringover the flat roof (304) of a building and steps over pieces ofequipment (305) that are sometimes found on roofs, such as electrical,mechanical, air conditioning equipment or skylights, staircases, orothers. In some cases, FMUs (310) are hinged or moved or craned away orrolled away in order to provide temporary access to underlyingstructures or equipment. Moreover, some embodiments of FMU (301) aremobile, active or rotating. FMUs allow to install systems on clutteredroofs or sites that are usually considered unsuitable for solar or otherequipment. FMUs also allow for creating solar canopies, solar shades orother types of structures.

The FMU (310) can have any slope, orientation, size or specification andthanks its structural capabilities, it can provide large areas of solarcells or other functions with very few supporting points. The structuresof many buildings do not allow for attaching loads such as solar systemsanywhere. In some cases, buildings have flat roofs in which piercing thewaterproofing sheet can have dramatic consequences. In such cases, usingFMUs (310) allows to have very few “Fastening points” (322, 321), andusing AComps (320) enables to transfer the loads to “Fixing points”(323) that are compatible with the structure, as well as to reduce therisk of leaks by reducing the number of “Fixing points” and by placingthem wisely. In cases where “Fixing points” are problematic, for anyreason, having fewer of them is a big advantage.

The FMU (301) can be constructed off-structure and transported or liftedor adjusted to its final destination and setting. In some cases, such ason large flat roofs or ground mounted systems, the FMU (301) isconstructed off structure close to its final location but in a moreconvenient setting, or it is constructed in a distant location. Forexample, if the FMU (301) is to be sloped and therefore some parts areto be high, the FMU can be built horizontal on the flat roof or on theground, and then lifted, hinged or moved to its final location, angle orslope. This makes labor regular instead of “at height”, easier, faster,cheaper, less dangerous. Constructing the FMU can also be an automatedor a robotic job even when it is done on site, on a roof, or on theground. For some large projects, an off-structure construction site orshop can be created somewhere on the site, on a roof or on the ground.

In some cases, FMU are easy to move or to remove. Therefore, FMUs can beinstalled on a site and later moved to another site, for example if theowner moves, or they can be temporarily moved or removed, for examplefor maintaining the underlying roof or equipment or the FMU itself, orthey can be replaced by another system or another FMU

FIG. 4 is a layered perspective view that illustrates an example of FMUsbeing installed and integrated into a sloped roof. FIG. 4 also refers toelements that are described in FIG. 1A, 2, 4 or in other figures.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of technologies, systems, methods andprocesses for installing off structure constructed FMUs or solar systemson a new or on an existing roof or on any kind of structure. In thisexample, a FMU, product or solar system has been pre-assembled first andit is lifted, transported or craned onto a host structure or onto anexisting roof. Solutions are described for lifting and attaching it, aswell as for designing, positioning, fabricating, preparing andwaterproofing the FMU, product or solar system or the roof or hoststructure.

FMUs are integrated into roofs in many cases such as when FMUs aresmaller than the roof they are installed on or when there are waterproofissues or when hovering over a roof is not the selected solution, or inother cases wherein FMUs are installed on any type of structure. The FMUcould be installed on other parts of the roof or on other types ofstructure.

In this example, a building (401) has a sloped roof (402), whichincludes “Structural members” (420) such as rafters or purlinssupporting a planar sheet (439) which is covered with any roofingmaterial. An AComp (409) has been installed on the roof (402) for one orseveral “Production components” (403, 404). One or several PComps (408)of FMUs are being driven down by any type of lifting or handling system(405). In this example, the to-be-built roof-top solar system comes as 2FMUs that are to be combined on the roof.

Two examples of “Production components (403, 404) are illustrated: inthis example, the PComps have 2 rows of 2 solar panels (437) and a WB(410, 411). In other embodiments, units with 1, 2, 3, 4 or more rows, ormore or less panels or any other embodiment or configuration could beused or combined together. As described in other figures, FMUs couldhave any number and type of panels or optional features or anycustomization. In this example, the FMUs (403, 404) have beenconstructed off-structure, either in a remote factory, or in a portableor local shop, or on site, and completely finished and wired before theywere shipped or transported. In some embodiments, FMUs could be partlyfinished or wired before installation. Some of the technologies andprocesses described herein can be utilized in other cases of applicationand embodiments. A system can comprise any number or embodiment of FMUs.

In this example, each FMU comes with its own set of “Dressing elements”such as “Front dressing elements” and “Lateral dressing elements”, whichcan be of any type. An example of “Front dressing elements” isillustrated by painted ventilation grilles (416, 417). An example of“Lateral dressing elements” is illustrated by folded and painted metalsheets (407, 412). In other examples, some “Dressing elements” couldcome separately, or could be carried by only some of the FMUs, or couldbe made in place, for example when the designer wishes to see only onepart without junction, or designed in any other ways as described inother figures.

In this example, the FMUs (403, 404) come entirely wired: the solarpanels (437) are attached to LSCs (460) and are wired. They are groundedeither by direct grounding connection through the LSCs or by wires; thequality of the connections and of the grounding, as well as the overallperformance of the system can, in some cases, be tested in the factoryor in the shop before shipping and the data can, in some cases, berecorded for future tracking; the power cables and the grounding cables,as well as the data cables if the FMU includes data collection orutilization, are prepared and ready to plug, in some cases using “Superplugs” (413, 414), or to be classically connected, possibly via a box.The solar panels can use micro-inverters embedded into the PComp orclassical inverters embedded into the PComp or into the AComp orinstalled on the building or use other systems.

In this embodiment, the FMUs comprise temporary or permanent “Liftingpoints” (418), preinstalled hooks or other pre-determined liftingsystems, which allow the FMU, the “PComp”, the AComp, or the “Megacomponent” to be easily manipulated, lifted, moved or craned.

In this example, an AComp (409) for the whole system, or several ACompssince there are several PComps (403, 404) to be connected, have beeninstalled on the roof (402). Depending on the nature of the roof and onthe project, the roofing material is either still in place or it hasbeen removed on all or part of the FMU area for example in order toreduce the total weight (a FMU can, in some cases, be made lighter thana classical roofing material).

In this example, two problems need to be solved: attaching the PComps(403, 404) and waterproofing.

Attaching the “Production Components”.

In this example, the embodiments of PComps (403, 404, 408) illustratedin FIG. 4 need to be attached to a supporting structure. The attachmentpoints have been described as “Fixing points” (441), where “Fixingmembers” (436) are used to attach the FMU's components to a hoststructure. “Fixing points” can either be inside a waterproof or a waterprotected perimeter or outside it. In some cases, it is possible orpreferable for the FMU to hover over the roof as described in otherfigures. In some other cases, the FMU can be integrated into the roofand interact with the roof's waterproofing system. In some cases,hovering over a roof is not possible or desired, for example when theroof is much larger than the FMU or when the “Fixing points” (441) haveto touch the waterproofing system, or when it is not desired to keeproofing material under a FMU. Both “hovering over a roof” and“integrated into a roof” technologies can also be mixed in some cases ofapplication. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the FMUs are going tobe integrated into the roof and be part of the building's waterproofingsystem or even replace it locally.

PComps or AComps can include waterproofing features or not. When FMUsneed to be affixed to roofs or roof structures, the “Fixing members”(436) often need to pierce the waterproofing sheet in order to get agrip on the underlying supporting members. In order to prevent thepiercing points from causing leaks, waterproof FMUs can be used: thearea below the FMUs is then water-free or water protected. The “Fixingpoints” can thus be placed within the water-free or water protected areabelow the FMUs and no water can leak via the holes created by the“Fixing members” (436). When the “Fixing members” are thus placed belowthe FMU and not easily accessible after the PComp is installed, the“Fixing members” are favorably part of the AComp, which in some cases isinstalled before the “Production component”.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the AComp (409) includes “Fixing pods”(419), “Spreader beams” (421, 422, 423, 424) or “Spreader legs” (427).The AComp can come as a whole assembly that is brought to the roof or asseparate elements that are assembled on the roof.

It is sometimes critical that the AComp and the PComp match perfectly.In some cases, the elements of the AComp can be accurately placed usinga “Positioning frame” (438), which holds together the elements of the“Attachment Component” before or while their installation or helpsplacing them precisely with the proper position of each element relativeto each other element or to the supporting structure. The “Positioningframe” (438) is a rigid or a flexible frame that can have any shape,design or material. “Positioning frames” can be made to measure or madein the same time as the PComp so they match perfectly. 3D data can alsobe used to position precisely the elements as described in otherfigures. The “Positioning frame” (438) can also be shipped altogetherwith the elements so they stay in place and do not deflect duringtransportation or positioning phases, and match perfectly the PComp(408) they are expected to host. If a standardized model of FMU is used,a corresponding standard model of “Positioning frame” can be used. Inanother method, the AComp, with or without a specific “Positioningframe”, can be brought to the destination roof or structure altogetherwith the “Production component”, so they match perfectly; then the ACompis affixed completely or minimally to the roof or the structure; thenthe PComp is detached from the AComp and is temporarily lifted awaywhile the AComp remains on the supporting structure; once the PComp(408) has been lifted away, the AComp can be fully attached if it wasnot the first time; then, the PComp is installed on the AComp. These 2methods enable the AComp, and the “Fastening points”, and the PComp tomatch perfectly. All methods can be mixed or improved.

Several examples of “Attachment component's” elements are illustrated inFIG. 4. The AComp (409) provides support for the PComps (408, 404, 403).PComp and AComp have to be designed so they provide compatible“Fastening points” (425) for the “Main fasteners” (435). Therefore,standardized systems will be used as much as possible.

In some cases, if the supporting structure is strong enough to holdconcentrated loads, the PComp can be fastened to “Fixing pods” (419),which can either be affixed directly to the underlying “Structuremembers” (420) such as rafters or purlins or be affixed by several“Fixing members” (436) sitting on large footings that spread the load ona larger area. In some cases, “Spreader beams” or “Spreader legs” canalso be used.

“Spreader beams” of several types, such as short “spreader beams” (421),mid-size “Spreader beams” (422), unit-long “Spreader beams” (423), canbe used to help support one or several FMUs. “Extra-long spreader beams”(424) can also be used to support several FMUs. The size, profile,design, position and fixing methods of the “Spreader beams” iscalculated by the designer depending on the loads, the quality of thesupporting structure and material, the design of the PComp to besupported, and other factors such as the ease of mounting. The “Spreaderbeam” system allows for spreading the loads on a large area ofsupporting structure, or for spreading the loads between several“Structural members” (420), while allowing the PComp to be fastened inpoints that are not directly dictated by the supporting structure. Thelocation and the number of the “Fastening points” (425) provided by the“Spreader beams” can be made independent from the location of thesupporting members (420) and the number of “Fastening points” (425) isnot limited. In some cases, FMUs or PComps are fastened in very fewpoints, in other cases, many points can be used.

When even more load spreading is needed, various types of “Spreaderlegs” (427) can be used to support the “Spreader beams” in order tospread the loads on larger areas. “Spreader beams” and “Spreader legs”,of any design, size, material or fixing method, can be affixed directlyto the supporting structure or supporting material (439), such asplywood or metal sheet for example, or be affixed through spacers orwashers or other systems creating a distance between the supportingmaterial and the spreaders, in order to either make up for a planaritydefect or to leave room for water to flow. The “Fixing points” can bemade waterproof. Spacers or adjustment systems can be used to adapt whenthe supporting structure is not flat or planar.

“Spreader legs”, “Spreader beams” or “Fixing pods” can be affixed eitherto underlying supporting “Structural members” (420) such as rafters orto a sheet (439) such as plywood or metal. Finding the hidden underlying“Structural members” (420) can be done using tools such as stud finders,magnetic sensors, digital wall scanners or other tools. Therefore,affixing “Fixing members” (436) to underlying supporting “Structuralmembers” (420) can be done easily and can be automated: a robot could doall or part of this work. “Spreader legs” or “Spreader beams” may, insome cases, divide the loads applied to each “Fixing point” so that asimple sheet, such as plywood or metal sheets is able to hold the FMUwithout exceeding its specific capacity. In this case, affixing the“Spreader beams” (419, 422, 423, 424, 432, 434) consists primarily inpositioning them and affixing screws or nails, sometimes numerous, ontothe sheet, which can be done manually or robotically. Using a“Positioning frame” (438) makes it easier to place each element of theAComp relative to each other. Therefore, in some cases, if using properdata as described in other figures, the AComp can be affixed quickly bycrews or automatically by robotized tools.

In some cases, the described technologies allow for roboticinstallation: an automated or robotic tool can place the “Spreaderbeams”, “Spreader legs” or “Fixing pods” in the right place using properinformation and screw, nail or affix them automatically and, in somecases, test the strength of the support thus provided. If needed a robotor an automated tool can also locate the underlying “Structural members”and place the “Fixing members” precisely with respect to the supportingstructures. The crewmembers or the automated tool can also use 3D data,recognize the 3D model used during design phase and the existing 3Dstructure, point a laser beam, or any other type of pointer, to theexact location where the fixing member has to be, so a human or roboticworker can install it in the right place.

Once the AComp (409) is affixed to the host structure (401), the PComp(408) can be driven down in order to be fastened to the AComp. In someembodiments, the “PComp's” LSCs (460) or other structural elements arefastened directly to the “AComp's” elements. In some other embodiments,the PComp is equipped with TBs (426, 433) which are designed either toprovide transversal structural rigidity to the “PComp” or to provide“Fastening points” (425) to the “PComps”, or favorably to do both ofthese. The TBs are designed to be compatible with the AComps or reverse;favorably all the components are part of the same bank of components andthey are compatible. In this example, both the TBs (426, 433) and the“Spreader beams” (423, 424, 422, 432, 434) are shaped as L profiles thatinterlock, but other designs are possible such as in U, in T or others.A PComp can be supported by as many TBs and “Spreader beams” as needed.However, TBs are more easily fastened to the “Spreader beams” when theyare accessible from outside the PComp perimeter when the PComp is inplace, and so 2 TBs (426, 433) are often used in sloped rooftopapplications: at the up-hill sides of the FMU so the “Main Fasteners”are accessible for fastening from the up-hill and at the down-hill outersides of the FMU. An example of fastening process is as follows: theoff-structure constructed PComps (408, 403, 404) are driven down ontothe previously installed AComp (409). The FMU or the PComp are attachedto a lifting system (405) such as a crane or any lifting system, by“Lifting points” (418). “Lifting points” can be hooks pre-installed onthe FMU, which can be removed after use or not, or points where thelifting system is screwed or attached such as points where a tie, a jig,a beam, or a holding system can be easily used and removed once on theroof. In some embodiments, hooks can be pre-installed at the tip of theLSCs so the lifting system's ropes or bars or arms can hook to them andin some cases un-hook automatically without manual intervention. In somecases, a beam suspended to the lifting system, fits into several LSC'shooks and lifts them altogether, thus providing temporary rigidity, andunhooks after installation. In some cases, the FMU is lifted, drivendown and positioned by a powered arm or a robotic arm which attaches tothe FMU or by suckers attached to the panels or the FMU and positionsthe FMU or the “Mega component” or separate components exactly where itneeds to be, in some cases without on-roof human intervention. It isdriven either virtually or using 3D data or 3D positioning systems. The“Production component's” TBs (426, 433) fit on the “Spreader beams”(421, 422, 423, 424) or on the “Fixing pods” (419). Favorably, like inFIG. 4, the ‘Transversal beams” are designed so they work as a hook:when the PComp is driven down, the for example L ou reversed U shapedupper TB (433) hooks up to the upper “Spreader beams” (432, 424) and,when driven down more, the PComp rotates around the upper “Spreaderbeams” (432) like around a horizontal axis working as a hinge, and thusremains aligned until the lower TB (426) reaches the lower “Spreaderbeams” (434). In some cases, both the “Spreader beams” and the TBs caninclude “Centering pods” (428) which allow the TBs and the “Spreaderbeams” to be perfectly aligned in the transversal direction, especiallywhen the installation is partly robotized or entirely robotized. Whenthe PComp properly rests on the AComp, it can be fastened and connected.The “PComp's cables (414) or “Super plugs” (413) are to be connected tothe cables (461) or “Super plugs” of the AComp or of the host structure.The cables (461) are connected to the electrical network or to the datanetwork and may use any cable way or, since they are inside a waterproofarea, they can use simple sealed slots (415) to get inside thebuilding's envelope without creating leaks. When the “PComp's” TBs (426,433) are resting in the right place on the “Spreader beams” (421, 422,423, 424, 434, 432), or on the “Fixing pods” (419) so the “Fasteningpoints” (425) are in the right place, the “Main fasteners” (435) areused to fasten the PComp and the AComp together thus securing the FMU onthe building. The “Main fasteners” may be bolts or screws, or rivets, orsticking systems, or welded connections, or other systems. In somecases, the “Main fasteners” (435) are self-tapping screws: they can beinstalled in several ways: an easy way is to install them from the outerside of the FMU, go through pre-pierced holes in the substantiallyvertical leg of the TB and screw directly in the substantially verticalleg of the “Spreader beam”. In some other cases, the “Main fasteners”(435) are bolts that screw in a nut pre-attached to the “Spreaderbeams”. Attaching the “Main fasteners” can be performed by crews or bymachines, and can be fully automated.

In some cases, a simpler embodiment can be used: the TB and the“Spreader beam” can be the same part that is attached to the PCompbefore it is lifted. The PComp is positioned on to the roof orsupporting structure. The combined “TB+Spreader beam” component isaffixed to the roof. In some cases, waterproofing or flashing systemsare added.

A system can comprise one or several FMUs combined together. FIG. 4illustrates an example wherein 2 FMUs are used. Large FMUs can be madebut in some cases smaller FMUs are easier to ship, lift, fasten, ormake. Creating projects by combining a few models of FMUs also allowsfor reducing the costs, especially thanks to standardization and largerseries. In the example of FIG. 4, 2 FMUs of 6 panels each are used. Theymay have separate “Attachment systems” or a common one.

Waterproofing:

Some embodiments of FMUs are built waterproof using WBs (410, 411) andcan be integrated into the roof. They are, in some cases, used in lieuof the waterproofing system for the area they cover. However, in somecases, water can still flow below or behind them, for example when rainwater is already flowing on a roof the FMU sits on. Technologies forcreating a “Waterproof curtain” with FMUs are described in other figuresand for cases wherein the FMUs are installed on the ridge of a roof oranywhere on the roof.

In some cases, creating a “Waterproof curtain” only on the up-hill sideof the FMU is sufficient. The up-hill side curtain can be created usinga flashing system on the upper side of the FMU, whether it is sitting ona roof's ridge or anywhere on the roof. These systems are preciselydescribed in other figures. In some cases, the waterproof curtain isneeded on 3 or 4 sides, which boils down to creating a peripheralwaterproofing wall on top of which the waterproof PComp or FMU comes asa top cover.

In some cases, a “Waterproof curtain” is created on the up-hill side ofa FMUs installed on a sloped roof: no water thus penetrates the roofarea situated below the FMUs and many “Fixing members” can be usedwithout the risk of creating leaks by piercing the waterproofing sheetin an area exposed to water. However, in some cases, water coming fromthe lateral sides could penetrate below the FMU and create leaks,especially when the wind pushes the rain water on the roof surface. Thislateral water penetration can be stopped by “Lateral flashing systems”(429) completing the “Waterproof curtain”: a “Lateral shoulder” (430) isinstalled on the lateral side of the FMU: it is for example a boardstanding vertically at the edge of the to be created waterproof area.The “Lateral shoulder” (430) can in some cases come with the AComp or beplaced using a “Positioning frame”. A flashing system (431) goes fromthe roof's roofing material to the outer wall of the “Lateral shoulder”(430), thus preventing flowing water from penetrating the space belowthe FMU.

When, like in the example of FIG. 4, several waterproof FMUs are usedfor creating a larger waterproof assembly, the FMUs can be connected bycentral gutters (406). The central gutter (406) fits between the lateralLSCs (460) or the side flashing elements of 2 FMUs and collects thewater between the 2 waterproof FMUs. This gutter (406) can come with thefirst FMU to be installed: the second FMU fits on it. In other cases,the gutter (406) can be installed on site before or while the FMUs arebeing installed. This gutter (406) uses the same principles as the WB:it goes up on the walls of the rails on each side, it fits under a dripformer and it is attached to the rails on at least one side.

When several FMUs are installed side by side like in FIG. 4 in order tocreate a larger array, only one “Lateral flashing system” (429) on eachside of the whole array may be needed since the gap between 2 FMUs iswaterproofed by gutters (406). In some cases, the “Lateral flashingsystem” is preinstalled in the same time as the AComp or as a part ofit, and when the FMUs is craned down it only has to fit between the 2“Lateral flashing systems”, or close to the “Lateral flashing systems”if only 1 side is equipped. In some cases, FMUs come with “Lateraldressing elements” (412, 407) that are for example folded metal sheetsattached to the lateral LSCs or to other components that step over the“Lateral flashing system” (429) so it is both hidden and protected likewith a drip. In some other cases, the “Lateral flashing system” fitsunder the LSC or a drip element, so no water coming from above can flowbehind the flashing sheet. Eave side flashing systems (440) are used insome cases.

Design Tools:

Using Off-structure constructed FMUs is more efficient if perfectknowledge, such as measurements or 3D models, of the host structure isavailable. Moreover, 3D data allows for faster or automated design andnew sales processes.

It may be necessary to collect accurate information such as exact 3dmeasurement of the site and its surroundings, the host structure or thebuilding (401), as well as materials, structure and othercharacteristics. In some cases, the collected information may includecolors, materials, properties, structural information or otherinformation such as shading, access, power lines and other obstacles,etc. Very precise and accurate 3d information about the host structureenables to improve the way the FMUs (or other systems) are designed,fabricated or prefabricated and installed thus allowing cost reductionor quality improvement. This information may be collected and providedby a third party player or by the designer or the client or bycrewmembers visiting the site or by the customer or be collectedautomatically or semi automatically.

3d Model.

If a FMUs (403, 404) is to fit an existing structure, it sometimes needsto fit in perfectly, although some embodiments of FMUs have largepositioning tolerances in order to simplify the installation process. Ifthe FMU is to be installed on a new built structure, it also sometimesneeds to fit perfectly in the new structure's real world dimensions. Ifcomputer assisted modeling or automated mounting processes are to beused, accurate 3d information is critical Similarly, if the designprocess involves previewing the product on the hosting structure, anaccurate image of the hosting structure is necessary. Therefore, in somecases, the process includes building a reliable 3d model of the sitealong with fundamental site info such as access for delivery and toolsor shading. An accurate 3d model of the host structure may enablechanging the whole process: sale, design, prefabrication, installation,and maintenance. For other applications, other information may be used.

How to Build a 3D Model

Several companies, using various technologies, provide 3d informationabout locations, buildings or even roofs. This information is sometimesprecise enough to assess the feasibility of a project (for exampleidentify the roof's slope and orientation and its approximate size) buttheir accuracy may be insufficient for some applications, especially inthe case of a Computer Numerical Controlled prefabrication of productsthat are to fit exactly an existing structure. Relevant information is akey driver of cost reduction and quality improvement. A very accurate 3dmodel may have to be built: many 3d computer systems are able to createthe 3d model using 3d measurement data. Several methods for accuratelycollecting and processing this data are described below.

The collected information may be limited to the measurement of the outershapes. It can also be enriched with additional information about thematerials, colors, etc. In many cases, it is also useful to haveinformation about the inside of a building, for example about thebuilding's structure such as the carpentry supporting a roof and aboutmaterials, structures, colors, wiring, accesses, shading, trees, etc.Getting this information may involve combining measurements made frominside and outside or using tools, which can describe the structure orother important information from the outside. For example laser, sonar,radar, X-rays, radio waves or WiFi waves or other technologies can beused to see through a building's skin or to use thermic cameras orinfrared or other technologies to build a more or less precise model ofan underlying structure.

The 3D model in some cases includes simple 3D points built from 3Dmeasurements of a few key geometric points, for example the angles of atarget roof, or many more points for example when a cloud of points isused to generate a mesh. In this case, it may be useful to extract thekey geometric points from this mesh to build simpler vectorial planes,either manually or automatically.

In some cases the on-site process is performed by one or more person ina very short time or by a robotic system. The crew may go to the sitewith a vehicle that includes everything necessary, such as measurementtools, flying drones, communication equipment or computing equipment. Insome cases of application, such a site visit may be performed by roboticmeans with little or no human intervention: a robotic system using arobotic vehicle can go on site and perform automatically the tasksdescribed herein (such as taking measurements, analyzing a site,designing a solution, or even proposing the solution to a client) andtransfer directly the information to a controlling system or itprocesses the information in an autonomous way. In some cases, thisvisit is been triggered automatically as a result of a contact, anonline sale process or of an analysis as described in other figures. Theinformation collected can be directly or indirectly fed to a 3d modelcomputer programs such as Autocad, Revit, 3DS Max or many others.

Several methods to make it less labor intensive are described; methodscan be combined or be combined with traditional techniques.

Optimizing cloud of points measurements: automated measurement systemssometimes have a problem having the exact scale, especially picturebased cloud of points measurement systems. In this case, one or severalreference object may be placed in the field to be measured. Thereference object or the ruler may have any shape, size, aspect, natureor color. It may be in 2D or in 3D. It may be an object that thesoftware system knows and can recognize. It has, in some cases, a seriesof visual or electronic marks, or other types of marks, that thesoftware can easily identify and use as a reference in its measurementsor that helps the computer understand the site. For example, thereference objects can be placed at specific distances from each other orat specific location, they can have recognizable shapes or be identifiedby other means. Identification may be automatic or manual. The operatorbrings one or several 2D or 3D reference objects or scale referencerules to the site, in the field of measurement. They are included in themeasurement system's analysis and may be used as an absolute referenceof size, angle or location. Once the cloud of points is done, a manualor automated operator can identify the scale reference ruler in thecloud of points and use it to provide accurate scale or geometry to themodel. In some cases, it is automatic: the software knows the ruler,since it has been described before, recognizes it automatically andadjusts automatically the scaling of its 3D model, which becomesperfectly accurate. The scale reference ruler can also be equipped withleveling systems in order to provide exact horizontal and verticalreferences to the system. It can also communicate with the measurementtools and exchange data.

Method 1. Crewmembers or robotic systems go on site and perform 3dmeasurements on the building (401) using surveyor tools (490) such aslaser tools or others. Any classical measurement tool may also be used,including crew or robotic system physically walking around the site oron the roofs to make measurements or collect information. Tools likelaser systems or magnetic stud detectors and internal capacitor studfinders or digital wall scanners or metal detectors can be used tocollect information such as location of structural components (420) orof electrical wires. In some cases, crewmembers or robotic systems arealso followed and positioned in 3 dimensions when collecting data so thecomputer knows exactly where the measurements where performed. Newdevices such as mobile distance measurement tools can also be used. Insome cases, key geometric points (471) of the supporting structure (401)are measured, such as the edges of a roof, or chimneys, or beams, etc.,and a 3d software will use them to build a simple 3d model based onsimple vectorial planes.

In some cases, crewmembers or robotic systems use tools that collectclouds of points that will be used with a computer program that willbuild a 3d model out of it. The measurement may be done from severalpoints in order to be more accurate. Crewmembers or robotic system mayuse surveyor tools working from a distance or go physically to some ofthe points they want to measure. In some cases, crewmembers or roboticsystems also take pictures or measures either from the ground or from anelevated location using any elevator system such as cranes, highlocations, long booms or flying tools such as flying drones (470),automated or human controlled. The collected data is sent to a 3dmodeling computer program which builds, with or without humanintervention, a 3d model and if needed it may apply textures using thepictures in order to provide optimal rendering.

Method 2 involves using a mobile 3d positioned measurement tool (480)that moves to each node point (471) of the site, or goes to specificpoints, or systematically roams over all the area, and takes a 3dmeasure of the key geometric points, may be using fixed surveyor toolsto triangulate, or of every interesting point of the site. It can belifted by any mechanical means, or can move on or around the building,it can roll or crawl on a structure like illustrated in 480 or it canfly over/around the site and hover over the key points (471) to locatethem precisely in 3d like illustrated in 470. This tool can be of anykind. It can also be equipped with 3d positioning tools, with photocameras and with any kind of sensor such as Xray sensors, magneticsensors, internal capacitor stud finders or digital wall scanners ormetal detectors, or thermic cameras or other technologies enabling tovisualize and measure both a building's or site's outer skin and thesupporting structure hidden behind a building's skin or to analyze thesurface's properties or other characteristics of the building.

Method 3 involves using computer programs that create a 3d model using aseries of pictures of a site. The process may involve taking picturesfrom the ground but more efficiently it may use information collectedfrom a higher location. The information collector is primarily a photoor video camera (making 2d or 3d pictures) but there might also be othersensors such as thermic cameras, x-rays, laser, sonar, infra-red, or anytool that can give additional information about the building'sstructure, size, shape, geometry, material, age, temperature, leaks,structure, mechanical tools or chemical tools or sound systems ortesting systems, etc. The information collector may be fixed or mobile.Ideally, it is supported by a plane or a helicopter or a flying drone ora crane or any other means like illustrated in 470, for it to fly overand around the site and take pictures of the site from the alr or fromall relevant position. Ideally it is able to turn all around the targethost structure in order to obtain complete information. It may becontrolled or remote controlled by crews or robotic systems or it may beprogramed to autonomously follow a pre-determined path, possiblydetermined automatically based on “site information analysis”. Forexample for the measurement of a building, a virtual path may be drawnon a map and the sensor follows the path. For example a flying drone(470) carrying one or several cameras or sensors may fly around a hoststructure (401) at various altitudes and collect a complete set of datasuch as pictures or other information. The data is sent to a softwareprogram (such as Photo-to-3d, Strata Foto 3D, Insight 3d, or Autodesk's123d or Real Capture or others) that builds a 3d model using it. Anideal process might include a drone taking pictures all around abuilding and sending them to a computer system that transforms them intoa 3d model, for example through a cloud of points.

In some cases, in order to accelerate the on-site processes and obtainquickly a preview of the 3d model in order to allow for the teams towork on the project's pre-design, all or some of the pictures can becopied in a low resolution version and sent to the calculator, thecalculator can be onsite or remote. This way two 3d models can be built:a quick, light and rough one, that is sufficient for pre-design purposes(choosing the products, customizing them, etc. while still on site), anda high resolution model that will be used later for final designpurposes. The whole process takes only a few minutes. Hopefully theadditional data described above have been collected in the same time.

This data collection method is used project by project (for solarprojects or for any other kind of project such as deploying any type ofequipment or technology, or running any type of information collection)or in some cases it is used to systematically, and in some casesautomatically, measure a larger territory such as a block or a town,possibly in interaction with the “statistics analysis” or the “siteinformation analysis” processes described above.

Several of the above methods provide clouds of 3d points. Theinformation is fed to a computer program that transforms it into a 3dmodel of the host structure. The program can either create a mesh usinga cloud of points or it can extract the critical geometric shapes,edges, angles and planes, and possibly add information about materials,structures, energy, thermal, leaks, data, etc. . . .

This 3d model of the host site can then be used to implement virtuallythe solar products, or other products or technologies, on the site,either with or without the human intervention of a designer. Ifinformation can be obtained about the structures supporting the roof orthe façade this information can be used to design the solar system'sattachment to the structure or for other purposes.

In some cases, several types of measurements are combined: for examplefor a roof, measurements made from the outside and measurement made fromthe inside such as a diagram of the carpentry members in an attic. Acamera or sensor equipped flying manned or unmanned aircraft such as adrone (470) can for example fly around a structure (401) and takepictures at regular angle spacing while a surveyor laser tool (490) canmeasure a cloud of 3d points. It is also possible to combine orcross-reference measurements obtained from pictures and from laser cloudof points or onsite manual measurement in order to obtain an accurateand complete 3d model, possibly supplemented with non-geometricinformation. It is also very useful to include a scale reference rulerin the measured field as described above.

In some cases, the computer system extracts relevant information fromthe raw data and provide a simple vectorial model made of simple planespossibly enriched with additional information. Geometric forms areinteresting in that they are easy to work with. But clouds of 3d pointsgive information on a big number of points of each surface of thebuilding. For example, this information can be used to record a plane'splanarity defects: if a roof or a façade is being measured inpreparation for a solar product to be installed on it, an exactknowledge of the plane's defects enables to adapt the product or to takeany relevant action. It can also be used as a report of the state of thebuilding before the solar product is installed, for example in case oflitigation. It thus enables the adapted product to fit perfectly to itslocation when it is installed. The same is true for information otherthan geometric such as material, thermic or underlying structures.

In this process, a very small team, in some cases only 1 person, or insome cases only a robotic system, come to a site, for example anexisting home or building to be equipped with a FMU, and perform in afew minutes a series of measurements for example by having a light dronefly all around the building taking pictures and or various kinds ofmeasures (may be infrared, magnetic, density, laser, thermal or X-rays)and a laser 3d measurement, both would create 3d clouds of points thatcan be sent to a computing system, local or distant, and possiblycombined together into an accurate 3d model. In some cases, the dataanalysis or 3d model building can be processed in real time while theoperator (human or robotic) is on the site. Additional information maybe collected (for example samples of materials, paperwork or otherinformation can be collected) and the standard process may include theautomatic collection of any available data at the first time so it isavailable if changes to the project are made afterwards. Accessories,accidents or obstacles present on the buildings such as chimneys, vents,windows, etc. are also reported in this process.

In some cases of application, the whole process is automated: a digital3d model of the host structure (401) is made (automatically or not), theFMU is chosen and customized on a computer using 3d a modeling software,a 3d model of the product is created (several variations can be testedvirtually), the order is processed online as well as sourcing, thecomponents are prepared automatically, installed by robots on theprefabrication bench, the LSCs (460) and other adjustable componentssuch as dressings or waterproofing are installed and cut automatically,the panels and other components are installed, connected and attachedrobotically, the complete system is tested and prepared for hauling, itis shipped to the host location with its specific mounting parametersand instructions, and installed robotically. In some cases, all thesteps of the process are recorded and saved for further use.

In some cases, the new overall process aims at reducing the time andcost of the process of mounting solar systems and at improving itsquality, reducing the risks of errors, defaults or accidents and atleveraging the advantages of prefabrication and or of the abovedescribed solar products as described above or in other figures. FMUs,off-site construction, standardization, 3d modeling allow for a newmounting process partly or fully automated or robotized. Methods anddevices are described herein or in other figures, they aim at makingthis whole process as simple, fast, secure, inexpensive and labor freeas possible, with consistent quality and easy permitting. Variousversions of the process exist or may be developed; some of them aredescribed below. An ultimate version is completely automated. Aninstallation process using FMU constructed off-structure orprefabricated components of a system is described. The FMUs have beenassembled either on site or in a remote location. They are brought tothe site and lifted to their final location, possibly on a pre-existingstructure.

In some cases of application, the system checks that all the paperworkis complete as well as the scheduled payments. In some cases, itgenerates a mounting round or an inspection round which may includeseveral sites. The round can in some cases be entirely robotized orautomated. The round may involve a vehicle (manned or unmanned) that cancarry all the necessary equipment, communication tools, instructions,material, paperwork, etc.

In some cases, the process includes one or several of the followingsteps (Some operations may be performed manually or automatically,robots may be used at any step of the process if available):

Preparation:

-   -   Verify that the site (401) is the right one, meets all the        requirements and is consistent with the previously available        information or the 3D model and all the paper work is correct.    -   Verify if the client is present (optional).    -   Record everything or some key steps in order to provide proofs,        feedback, control, records.    -   The system, using measurement methods and tools such as surveyor        tools or pictures, starts with verifying that the site's        characteristics are what they are expected to be. It controls        the similarity between what it observes and what the design        expects to find.

Installation:

-   -   Determine the exact installation location on the host structure        (401)    -   Install the fixing members (441)    -   Install the products (408) in one or several steps    -   Verify    -   Connect    -   Control

In some embodiments, the improved installation process uses specifictechnologies and processes which are described below or in otherfigures. Once the measurements have been verified and the preparationhas been done, the installation process can start. An example isdescribed herein:

-   -   The first step is to make sure all the necessary components and        tools are present.    -   In some cases, preliminary operations have to be conducted such        as site preparation (for example remove tiles on a roof, remove        vents, prepare the ground, prepare attachments, prepare access        ways, etc.).    -   The second step is to locate precisely the key geometric points        (471) the project's design has been based on and to determine        precisely the position of key mounting reference points (472)        such as, for example, the future location of the FMU (403, 404)        on the roof or the location of the supporting pads and their        fixing members.    -   Once these points (471, 472) are located, they can be marked        either physically or virtually by recording a 3d position that        will help guide the mounting job. This can be done in several        ways, for example using a 3d laser and compares what it reads        with what it has on file, in the 3d model or measurement the        product was built on, identifies key points and may show them by        locating 3d position coordinates or a physical signal such as a        light ray aiming at guiding the installation operations.    -   In some cases, it may be necessary to locate certain elements of        the site, for example purlins (473), structural points,        networks, feeding points, connection points, etc. This can be        performed before starting the mounting or during it.    -   Then, the mounting process can begin, either manned or automated        partly or totally

In some embodiments, a robotic fixing machine can be used to attach thelower part of the FMU (409) to the roof. For example, an automatedfixing machine such as a screw gun that can roam on and around the hoststructure and partly or fully automatically fasten the “A Comp” (409) tothe host structure. It is used as follows:

-   -   The AComp (409) of a FMU (403, 404, 408) is installed on the        host structure (401).    -   The robotic fixing machine is brought on it, or in some cases,        it has been brought in the same time as the AComp    -   The robotic fixing machine screws or attaches all the securing        means (436, 435) that need to be attached, possibly following a        set of instructions defined during the designed and        prefabrication phase. The system may also include data recording        such as a video camera or other sensors recording the operations        performed or devices recording for example the screwing torque        applied, or the verifications performed. The machine or tool can        also be operated manually.    -   After completion, the tool is removed.

To summarize, one of the applications of the process, which works withFMUs or other products, is be as follows: 1) a 3d model of a supportingstructure has been created. 2) FMUs or products have been designed andprefabricated to match exactly the shape and requirements of thesupporting structure. 3) These FMUs or products may be a standard one ora customized version. In some cases, they have been designed to beinstalled at a very precise location of the supporting structure. Sincethe product is a well-known one and its attachment to the supportingstructure spreads the load, the permitting process can be simplifiedthanks to less structural concerns and to using a well-known repetitiveproduct. 4) When installation begins, the system reads the existingstructure, compares it to the 3d model or the data that has been usedfor the product's design and determines the exact position it has to beinstalled at. In some cases there may be intermediate operations to beperformed such as site preparation. In some cases, the system determinesthe exact position of the fixing members be they a set of individualobjects or a pre-framed supporting piece. 5) The fixing members are putin place and attached to the host structure either by crews or by amachine. Then the product is brought and attached to the fixing members.

In some cases, the system reads the final destination of the fixingmembers, attaches them robotically, controls the quality of theexecution such as the exact 3d location or the strength of theattachments, possibly compensates unexpected defects of the supportingstructure, corrects if necessary, and attaches the product on the fixingmembers, controls and verifies again, attaches the wires, the wholeoperation or parts of it being performed only by machines and the wholeprocess being recorded (video recording, data recording, includingrecord of the actions performed by the robots, test reports, etc.).

In some cases, a human can predesign a project and products online andthen a 3d model of the host structure is made in a few minutes, theproducts are prefabricated with very little human intervention. Thetimesaving is considerable. Installation:

If a lifting system is to be used (405), it can be anything, forexample: a crane, a truck-crane such as a boom truck, a mobiletele-handler, a transportable lifting system, a robotic tool, a flyingcarrier, an airship or a balloon, drones, a helicopter or anytransportation system.

An example of robotized installation process is a follows:

-   -   The key geometric points (471) of a host structure (401) have        been defined during the design phase using a laser positioning        control system (490) or other tools (470, 480), or they are        determined during the installation phase. In some cases, Fixing        pods (419) or spreader beams (432, 434) have been pre-attached        to the host structure, but this step is not compulsory. A        lifting system (405) brings a FMU (403, 404) to the right        location on the roof or the host structure. In some eases, it        communicates with the positioning control system or with another        positioning system, such as a flying drone (470) or other tools.        The AComp (409), if any, and its “Spreader beams” (422, 423,        424) have been put on the roof or the host structure either by a        manned tool or by automated tools. The AComp is held there        either by the Fixing pods if any, or by any other temporary        solution such as a robotic arm or other tools. In some cases, a        robotic fixing machine or any other system is being brought to        the AComp by a lifting system, may be guided by a laser        positioning control system or other positioning tools, in order        to attach to the structure the AComp or the “Spreader beams”. In        some cases, the robotic fixing machine that attaches the AComp        is connected to the lifting system. It may be guided by a laser        positioning control system, or other positioning systems, in        order to attach to the structure the “Spreader beams”. In some        cases, the PComp (408) is brought by a lifting system (405)        which may be guided by a positioning system and comes on top of        the AComp, which has been previously installed on the host        structure. In some cases, the PComp (408) and the AComp (409)        are merged in a single mega component that is installed in one        time by a machine that is able to lift the FMU, to locate the        exact expected position on the host structure and to perform the        fixing of the FMU onto the host structure; in some cases,        flashing systems are performed automatically too, or need to be        installed by crewmembers. Then, the FMU is installed and ready        to use.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view that illustrates an example ofFMU installed on the ridge of a sloped roof. FIG. 5 also refers toelements that are described in FIG. 1A, 2, 3, 4 or in other figures.

In this example, a waterproof FMU (501) is installed on a roof (502),slightly overhanging the ridge line (503). The roof of this exampleincludes “Structural members” (506) which support a plywood sheet (505)which supports a roofing complex (507) made of membrane and shingles,shakes, tiles or other material. Other embodiments of the inventioncould involve other types of roofs or other types of host structures.The FMU could be installed on other parts of the roof or on other typesof structure.

The “Attachment part” has been installed first. It includes one orseveral “Spreader beams” (504), which can have any design, material orsize. In this example, the “Spreader beams” (504) have an L shape whichcorresponds to the reversed L shape of the TBs (508) which rest on them.The “Spreader beams” (504) are affixed to the roof (502) by “Fixingmembers” (512), either affixed to the plywood sheet (505) or affixed tothe underlying “Structural members” (506) through the plywood sheet. Theup-hill “Spreader beam” (504) is affixed close to the ridge line, or itcan be distant from the ridge line.

It is possible to get the area below the FMU (501) free of any water bypreventing water from penetrating below the WB (509), which can be doneby creating a “Waterproof curtain” at the WB's” perimeter. A “Waterproofcurtain” can be created either on the ridge side façade of the FMU (501)or on the lateral sides if needed, or at the eave side, or several ofthese. When the FMU is not installed on a ridge, waterproof curtains canbe created on some or all of the sides of the FMU. In some cases, asloped flashing system like a “cricket system” is installed on theup-hill side of the FMU and guides flowing water to the sides of theFMU, or in a gutter installed between 2 FMUs.

On the ridge line, the water is rejected beyond the ridge, for exampleto the other side of the roof, like in this example. In other cases,depending on the roof's design, the water can be rejected elsewhere.Water is either channeled inside the waterproof “Ventilation channel”(511) or rejected outside the FMU (501).

On the lateral sides of the FMU (501), a “Lateral flashing system” (510)can be created when needed, but some embodiments do not use “Lateralflashing systems”.

Waterproof Curtain and Ridge Waterproofing:

The AComp is attached first and it provides a first level of waterproofsealing: a flashing system (513) wraps the “Spreader beam” (504) on atleast one face and connects to the roofing material (507) on the otherside of the roof in order to push water away from the FMU and to preventwater from entering the space below the “Production component's” WB(509). Sealing is this way achieved up to the height of the “Spreaderbeam”, which depends on the chosen design. If the solution wasimplemented on a different kind of roof or supporting structure, thedesign could vary.

The “Production component's” TB (508) is attached to the “Spreader beam”(504) using “Main fasteners” (514) which can for example be screwed, orglued, or riveted, or bolted from the outside, possibly robotically. TheTB (508) has a reversed L shape, or any other shape, and can be long orshort depending on the design. The TB could also have the shape of areversed U profile in order to wrap around the “Spreader beam” andimprove the waterproof junction between the 2 beams, for example usingseals or as a W which could also be used as counter-flashing. The ACompis now waterproofed on its up-hill ridge side. The PComp is waterproofedusing a WB (509), which in this embodiment is a folded aluminum sheetspanning from LSC (515) to LSC (515) that goes up along the lateralwalls of the rails, thus creating a ventilation channel (511) betweenthe LSCs (515), the panels (516) and the waterproofing sheet or membrane(509). However, if the PComp is constructed off-structure and needs tobe fastened to the AComp, the “Main fasteners” might have to pierce theflashing system (513) and create leaks. Waterproof fasteners can beused. In order to prevent any water from going behind the waterproofingsheet (509), two additional flashing systems can in some cases becreated either with wrapped or folded metal or with other waterproofmaterials:

A flashing system (517) overlaps the part of the waterproofing sheet(509) between the LSCs (515) at the end of the channel (511), it goesdown in order to create a drip and to hide the junction between the TB(508) and the “Spreader beam” (504) so no water may come below thewaterproofing sheet (509), even going through the “Fastening points”(518) or the “Main fasteners” (514).

A flashing system (519) wraps around the end of the LSCs (515) and comesinto the channel (511), overlapping the waterproofing sheet (509) so nowater may come behind the WB (509).

In some cases, the up-hill side flashing systems are made wider than thePComp in order to offer a better protection by deflecting the water awayfrom the lateral sides of the FMU.

In some cases, the flashing system (517) is created using a longer WBsheet which is bent at its tip in order to create a flashing systemsimilar to 517. In this case, elements 509 and 517 are the same part.

The air flow (520) goes out at the end of the ventilation channel (511).In some cases, “Dressing elements” such as protection or decorationgrilles (521), or filters, can be installed at the end of the channel(511). In some cases, a cable tray (525) is created inside the channel(511) in order to circulate the cables or other elements.

Waterproof Curtain and Lateral Waterproofing:

In some particular embodiments, a “Lateral waterproofing system” (524)is added in order to prevent lateral water penetrations. A “Lateralshoulder” (522) such as a board is installed on the outer side of theouter LSC (515) of a FMU (501) or of a group of FMUs. It can beinstalled prior to, or in the same time as the AComp is installed, orlater. A flashing system (510), appropriate for the type of surroundingroofing material for example step flashing, is installed on the shoulder(522). The flashing system can favorably be protected by a drip formedby the LSC or by another system. In some cases, a cover (523) or a“Dressing element” made of membrane or of folded metal or of othermaterials, overlaps the flashing system (510) as a drip former.Depending on the LSC's design, the cover (523) either fits below a dripformer of the LSC (515) and overlaps the flashing system (510) or wrapsaround the LSC so water can only go either inside the channel (511) oron the roof (502) and water cannot go behind the flashing system andbelow the FMU. The cover can have any design or aspect. The “Lateralwaterproofing system” (524) is inserted between the LSC (515) and thecover (523). In some cases, the cover (523) comes with the off-structureconstructed FMU: the “Lateral waterproofing system” is installed firstand the LSC with its cover (523) cap it when the PComp is craned downonto the roof.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view that illustrates anotherembodiment of FMU installed on the ridge of a sloped roof. FIG. 6 alsorefers to elements that are described in FIG. 1A, 2, 3, 4, 5 or in otherfigures.

In this example, a waterproof FMU (601) is installed on a roof (602),slightly overhanging the ridge line (603). The roof of this exampleincludes “Structural members” (606) which support a plywood sheet (605)which supports a roofing complex (607) made of membrane and tiles orshingles, shakes or other material. Some of the solutions described inany figure can be used in other embodiments or in cases orconfigurations described in other figures. The FMU could be installed onother parts of the roof or on other types of structure.

The “Attachment part” has been installed first. It includes one orseveral “Spreader beams” (604), which can have any design, material orsize. In this example, the “Spreader beams” (604) have an L shape onwhich rest the reversed U shape of the TBs (608). The “Spreader beams”(604) are affixed to the roof (602) by “Fixing members” (612), eitheraffixed to the plywood sheet (605) or affixed to the underlying“Structural members” (606) through the plywood sheet. The up-hill“Spreader beam” (604) is affixed close to the ridge line.

In this embodiment of FMU, the panels (616) are attached to LSCs (615)by clamps (626). The LSCs are substantially parallel to each other andinstalled in the direction of the slope of the roof. The LSCs are notaligned with the edges of the panels: in this example, they are somedistance inside the inside the width of the panels, as the panel makerssometimes require. In this example, the LSCs have substantially theshape of a Z profile, which includes a top portion (627) on which areattached the clamps (626) or the panels (616), a central portion (628),an attachment member (629) that allows attaching or screwing the LSC tothe TB, and drip formers (630, 631) that cap flashing systems (610) andwaterproof barriers (609).

It is possible to get the area below the FMU (601) free of any water bypreventing water from penetrating below the WB (609), which can be doneby creating a “Waterproof curtain” at the “WB's perimeter. A “Waterproofcurtain” can be created either on the ridge side façade of the FMU (601)or on the lateral sides if needed, or at the eave side, or both. Whenthe FMU is not installed on a ridge, waterproof curtains can be createdon some or all of the sides of the FMU. In some cases, a sloped flashingsystem like a “cricket system” is installed on the up-hill side of theFMU and guides flowing water to the sides of the FMU, or in a gutterinstalled between 2 FMUs.

On the ridge line, the water is rejected beyond the ridge, for exampleto the other slope of the roof, like in this example. In other cases,depending on the roof's design, the water can be rejected elsewhere.Water is either channeled inside the waterproof “Ventilation channel” orrejected outside the FMU (601).

On the lateral sides of the FMU (601), a “Lateral flashing system” (610)can be created when needed, but some embodiments do not use “Lateralflashing systems”.

Waterproof Curtain and Ridge Waterproofing:

The AComp is attached first and it provides a first level of waterproofsealing: a flashing system (613) wraps the “Spreader beam” (604) on atleast one face and connects to the roofing material (607) on the otherside of the roof in order to push water away from the FMU and to preventwater from entering the space below the “Production component's” WB(609). Sealing is this way achieved up to the height of the “Spreaderbeam”, which depends on the chosen design. If the solution wasimplemented on a different kind of roof or supporting structure, thedesign might vary.

The “Production component's” TB (608) is attached to the “Spreader beam”(604) using “Main fasteners” (614) which can for example be screwed,glued, riveted, welded or bolted from the outside, possibly robotically.In this embodiment, the TB (608) has a reversed U shape, which caps the“Spreader beam” and improves the waterproof junction between the 2beams, for example using sealing systems. The TB could also have theshape of a reversed L profile or as a W which could also be used ascounter-flashing or any other shape or profile. The AComp is nowwaterproofed on its up-hill ridge side. The PComp is waterproofed usinga WB (609), which in this embodiment is spanning from LSC (615) to LSC(615) and going up along the lateral walls of the LSCs thus creating aventilation channel (611) between the LSCs (615), the panels (616) andthe WB (609). In this embodiment, the WB is made of a formable material,such as molded plastic, formed or thermoformed plastic, resin, fiberglass, embossed metal, folded metal, cast material, membrane or othermaterials that allow to obtain complex shapes, in order to provide allthe necessary flashings in one or several pieces that are easy toinstall:

-   -   In some cases, a flashing part (617, 619) wraps around the tip        of LSCs (615) at the end of the channel (611), and goes down in        order to create a drip and to hide the junction between the TB        (608) and the “Spreader beam” (604) so no water may come below        the waterproofing sheet (609).    -   In some cases, a formed cap (619) wraps around the end of the        LSCs (615) and comes into the channel (611), overlapping the        waterproofing sheet (609) so no water may come behind the        “Waterproofing barrier” (609).    -   In some cases, the WB extends essentially vertically on the        outer face of the TB in order to create a continuous WB even on        the front face and to create a drip former (625) and        counterflashing. This can be done in one piece or using several        parts.    -   In some cases, the up-hill side flashing systems are made wider        than the PComp in order to offer a better protection by        deflecting the water away from the lateral sides of the FMU.

The air flow (620) goes out at the end of the ventilation channel (611).In some cases, “Dressing elements” such as protection or decorationgrilles (621), or filters, can be installed at the end of the channel(611). In some cases, a cable tray (650) is created inside the channel(611) in order to circulate the cables or other elements.

Waterproof Curtain and Lateral Waterproofing:

In some particular embodiments, a “Lateral waterproofing system” isadded in order to prevent lateral water penetrations. It includes alateral shoulder and a flashing system. A “Lateral shoulder” (622) suchas a board is installed on the outer side of the outer LSC (615) of aFMU or of a group of FMUs. It can be installed prior to, or in the sametime as the AComp is installed, or later. A flashing system (610),appropriate for the type of surrounding roofing material, is installedon the shoulder (622). The flashing system can favorably be protected bya drip (631) formed by the LSC (615) or by another system. In somecases, a cover (623) or a “Dressing element” made of membrane or offolded metal or of other materials, overlaps the flashing system (610).Depending on the LSC's design, the cover (623) either fits below a dripformer (631) of the LSC (615) and overlaps the flashing system (610), orwraps around the LSC so water can only go either inside the channel(611) or on the roof (602) and water cannot go behind the flashingsystem and below the FMU. The cover can have any design or aspect. The“Lateral waterproofing system” is inserted between the LSC (615) and thecover (623). In some cases, the cover (623) comes with the off-structureconstructed FMU: the “Lateral waterproofing system” is installed firstand the LSC and the cover cap it when the PComp is driven down onto theroof.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view that illustrates anotherembodiment of FMU installed on the ridge of a sloped roof. FIG. 7 alsorefers to elements that are described in FIG. 1A, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or otherfigures.

In this example, a waterproof FMU (701) is installed on a roof (702),possibly slightly overhanging the ridge line (703). The roof of thisexample includes “Structural members” (706) which support a plywoodsheet (705) which supports a roofing complex (707) made of membrane andtiles, shingles, shakes or other material. The FMU could be installed onother parts of the roof or on other types of structure.

The “Attachment part” has been installed first. It includes one orseveral “Spreader beams” (704), which can have any design, material orsize. In this example, the “Spreader beams” (704) have an L shape whichcorresponds to the reversed L shape of the TBs (708) which rest on them.The “Spreader beams” (704) are affixed to the roof (702) by “Fixingmembers” (712), either affixed to the plywood sheet (705) or affixed tothe underlying “Structural members” (706) through the plywood sheet. Theup-hill “Spreader beam” (704) is affixed close to the ridge line. ThePComp includes hooks (726) of any size, design or material that areattached to the LSCs or to other members. When transporting theoff-structure constructed FMU, the lifting system can be fastened tothese hooks. In some cases, a rigid bar or a beam spanning several LSCs,possibly the size of the FMU, can take several hooks so the PComp istransported without deflecting transversally, which allows for reducingthe size of the TB or for avoiding having one. In some cases, hooks arenot used but a jig, a bar, a beam or a lifting system connects to theLSC, the TB, the dressing elements, the panels or to structural elementsand allow the PComp or the FMU to be moved or lifted.

The area below the FMU (701) can be made free of any water by preventingwater from penetrating below the WB (709), which can be done by creatinga “Waterproof curtain” at the “Waterproof barrier's” perimeter. A“Waterproof curtain” can be created either on the ridge side façade ofthe FMU (701) or on the lateral sides if needed, or at the eave side, orboth. When the FMU is not installed on a ridge, waterproof curtains canbe created on some or all of the sides of the FMU. In some cases, asloped flashing system like a “cricket system” is installed on theup-hill side of the FMU and guides flowing water to the sides of theFMU, or in a gutter installed between 2 FMUs.

On the ridge line, the water is rejected beyond the ridge, for exampleto the other slope of the roof, like in this example. In other cases,depending on the roof's design, the water can be rejected elsewhere.Water is either channeled inside the waterproof “Ventilation channel”(711) or rejected outside the FMU (701).

On the lateral sides of the FMU (701), a “Lateral flashing system” (710)can be created when needed, but some embodiments do not use “Lateralflashing systems”.

Waterproof Curtain and Ridge Waterproofing:

The AComp is attached first and it provides a first level of waterproofsealing: a flashing system (713) wraps the “Spreader beam” (704) on atleast one face and connects to the roofing material (707) on the otherside of the roof in order to push water away from the FMU and to preventwater from entering the space below the “Production component's” WB(709). Sealing is this way achieved up to the height of the “Spreaderbeam”, which depends on the chosen design. If the solution wasimplemented on a different kind of roof or supporting structure, thedesign might vary.

The PComp's TB (708) is attached to the “Spreader beam” (704) using“Main fasteners” (714) which can for example be screwed, or glued, orriveted, or bolted from the outside, possibly robotically. The TB (708)has a reversed L shape, or any other shape, and can be long or shortdepending on the design. The TB could also have the shape of a reversedU profile in order to wrap around the “Spreader beam” and improve thewaterproof junction between the 2 beams, for example using seals or as aW which could also be used as counter-flashing. The AComp is nowwaterproofed on its up-hill ridge side.

The PComp is waterproofed using a WB (709), which in this embodiment isa folded aluminum sheet resting on a “MFB” (727) spanning from LSC (715)to LSC (715) that goes up along the lateral walls of the rails, thuscreating a ventilation channel (711) between the LSCs (715), the panels(716) and the waterproofing sheet or membrane (709). In the embodimentof FIG. 7, the ridge side tip of the channel (711) is blocked in awaterproof manner in order to provide a high flashing system. The airflow (720) exits the channel (711) by vents (728) in “Top dressingelements” (729), louvres or grilles.

However, if the PComp is constructed off-structure and needs to befastened to the AComp, the “Main fasteners” (714) might have to piercethe flashing system (713) and could create leaks. In order to preventany water from going behind the waterproofing sheet (709), twoadditional flashing systems can in some cases be created either withwrapped or folded metal or with other waterproof materials:

-   -   A board (717) caps the channel (711) either between 2 LSCs (715)        or in front of the LSCs. The WB (709) goes up the channel side        of the board (717), which then becomes a waterproof basin closed        on the bottom and 3 sides. A Flashing system (721) wraps the        board and goes down the in-channel face of the board (717) in        order to overlap the WB (709), and goes down the external face        of the board (717) in order to create a cover or a drip that        hides the junction between the TB (708) and the “Spreader beam”        (704) so no water may come below the waterproofing sheet (709),        even going through the “Fastening points” (718) or the “Main        fasteners” (714). In some cases, an additional flashing system        (725), or it may be done by extending the flashing sheet (721),        extends to overlap the roofing material (707) beyond the ridge        (703) on the other side of the roof.    -   A flashing system (719) wraps around the end of the LSCs (715)        and comes into the channel (711), overlapping the waterproofing        sheet (709) so no water may come behind the “Waterproofing        barrier” (709). In some cases, this flashing function is        accomplished by an extended version of the flashing system        (721).    -   In some cases, the up-hill side flashing systems are made wider        than the PComp in order to offer a better protection by        deflecting the water away from the lateral sides of the FMU.

Waterproof Curtain and Lateral Waterproofing:

In some particular embodiments, a “Lateral waterproofing system” (724)is added in order to prevent lateral water penetrations. A “Lateralshoulder” (722) such as a board is installed on the outer side of theouter LSC (715) of a FMU or of a group of FMUs. It can be installedprior to, or in the same time as the AComp is installed, or later. Aflashing system (710), appropriate for the type of surrounding roofingmaterial, is installed on the shoulder (722). The flashing system canfavorably be protected by a drip formed by the LSC or by another system.In some cases, a cover (723) or a “Lateral dressing element” made ofmembrane or of folded metal or of other materials, overlaps the flashingsystem (710) as a drip former. Depending on the LSC's design, the cover(723) either fits below a drip former of the LSC (715) and overlaps theflashing system (710) or wraps around the LSC so water can only goeither inside the channel (711) or on the roof (702) and water cannot gobehind the flashing system and below the FMU. The “Lateral waterproofingsystem” (724) is inserted between the LSC (715) and the cover (723). Insome cases, the cover (723) comes with the off-structure constructedFMU: the “Lateral waterproofing system” is installed first and the LSCand the cover cap it when the PComp is craned down onto the roof.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view that illustrates an example ofFMU integrated into a portion of a sloped roof that is not the ridge.FIG. 8 also refers to elements that are described in FIG. 1A, 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 7 or other figures.

In this example, a waterproof FMU (801) is installed on a roof (802).The roof of this example includes “Structural members” (806) whichsupport a plywood sheet (805) which supports a roofing complex made ofmembrane and tiles, shakes, shingles (807) or other material. The FMUcould be installed on other parts of the roof or on other types ofstructure.

The “Attachment part” has been installed first. It includes one orseveral “Spreader beams” (804), which can have any design, material orsize. In this example, the “Spreader beams” (804) have an L shape whichcorresponds to the reversed L shape of the TBs (808) which rest on them.The “Spreader beams” (804) are affixed to the roof (802) by “Fixingmembers” (812), either affixed to the plywood sheet (805) or affixed tothe underlying “Structural members” (806) through the plywood sheet.

The area below the FMU (801) can be made free of any water by preventingwater from penetrating below the WB (809), which can be done by creatinga “Waterproof curtain” at the “WB's perimeter. A “Waterproof curtain”can be created either on the ridge side façade of the FMU (801) or onthe lateral sides if needed, or at the eave side, or both. When the FMUis not installed on a ridge, waterproof curtains can be created on someor all of the sides of the FMU.

In this embodiment, the FMU is integrated into the roof, it is part ofthe building's waterproofing system. Water flowing on the roof above theFMU either reaches an “Up-hill side flashing system” (825), possiblyshaped as a cricket system (826) that guides water either to the sidesof the FMU or to a gutter installed between 2 FMUs, or to the channel(811) that guides it to an exist at the down-hill side of the channel.

On the lateral sides of the FMU (801), a “Lateral flashing system” (810)can be created when needed, but some embodiments do not use “Lateralflashing systems”.

Waterproof Curtain and Up-Hill Side Waterproofing:

The “Production component's” TB (808) is attached to the “Spreader beam”(804) using “Main fasteners” (814) which can for example be screwed, orglued, or riveted, or bolted from the outside, possibly robotically. TheTB (808) has a reversed L shape, or any other shape, and can be long orshort depending on the design. The TB could also have the shape of areversed U profile in order to wrap around the “Spreader beam” andimprove the waterproof junction between the 2 beams, for example usingseals or as a WB which could also be used as counter-flashing. The PCompis waterproofed using a WB (809), which in this example is a foldedself-standing impervious sheet spanning from LSC (815) to LSC (815) thatgoes up along the lateral walls of the rails, thus creating aventilation channel (811) between the LSCs (815), the panels (816) andthe waterproofing sheet or membrane (809). In order to prevent any waterfrom going behind the waterproofing sheet (809), an “Up-hill sideflashing sheet” (825), made of one or several components or sheets ofimpervious material, is installed such that it drives any water flowingfrom the upper part of the roof either to the sides on the FMU or insidethe waterproof channel (811). This “Up-hill side flashing sheet” (825)is slipped below the upper covering/roofing material (807) like aclassical flashing system, goes inside the channel (811) and wrapsaround the LSC's tips. In order to prevent water from getting behind theWB (809), the “Up-hill side flashing sheet” (825) overlaps the WB bothin the bottom of the channel and where the WB is going up on the sideson the LSCs. In order to guide water away from the FMU, the “Up-hillside flashing sheet” (825) may have a cricket style shape (826). Inorder to prevent water from penetrating laterally below the FMU, the“Up-hill side flashing sheet” (825) overlaps the “Lateral flashingsystem” (824), if any.

The air flow (820) goes out at the end of the ventilation channel (811).In some cases, “Dressing elements” such as protection or decorationgrilles (821), or filters, can be installed at the end of the channel(811).

Waterproof Curtain and Lateral Waterproofing:

In some particular embodiments, a “Lateral waterproofing system” (824)is added in order to prevent lateral water penetrations. A “Lateralshoulder” (822) such as a board is installed on the outer side of theouter LSC (815) of a FMU or of a group of FMUs. It can be installedprior to, or in the same time as the AComp is installed, or later. Aflashing system (810), appropriate for the type of surrounding roofingmaterial, is installed on the shoulder (822). The flashing system canfavorably be protected by a drip formed by the LSC or by another system.In some cases, a cover (823) or a “Dressing element” made of membrane orof folded metal or of other materials, overlaps the flashing system(810) as a drip former. Depending on the LSC's design, the cover (823)either fits below a drip former of the LSC (815) and overlaps theflashing system (810) or wraps around the LSC so water can only goeither inside the channel (811) or on the roof (802) and water cannot gobehind the flashing system and below the FMU. The “Lateral waterproofingsystem” (824) is inserted between the LSC (815) and the cover (823). Insome cases, the cover (823) comes with the off-structure constructedFMU: the “Lateral waterproofing system” is installed first and the LSCand the cover cap it when the PComp is craned down onto the roof.

In an alternative embodiment, “Spreader beams and TBs are combined in 1component (817). In the example of FIG. 8, the combined component has areversed T shape: one leg of the T is attached below the LSC like the TB(808) and the other leg Is to be affixed to the roof like the “Spreaderbeam” (804). If the transversal rigidity provided by the combinedcomponent (817) is not sufficient for lifting the FMU, a lifting beamcan be used and attached to hooks connected to the FMU, thus preventingdeflection. The “Up-hill side flashing sheet” covers the “Fixingmembers” that affix the combined component (817) to the roof. This way,the gap between the roof and the FMU is reduced and the FMU is lower.PComp and AComp may be combined and installed in the same time, which insome cases, allows for an even simpler installation process in 1 steponly. In this example of embodiment, a cable tray (803), located in theventilation channel, circulates cables, fluids or information.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view that illustrates another exampleof FMU integrated into a portion of a sloped roof that is not the ridge.FIG. 9 also refers to elements that are described in FIG. 1A, 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 7, 8 or other figures.

In this example, a waterproof FMU (901) is installed on a roof (902).The roof of this example includes “Structural members” (906) whichsupport a plywood sheet (905) which supports a roofing complex (907)made of membrane and tiles, shingles, shakes or other material. The FMUcould be installed on other parts of the roof or on other types ofstructure.

The “Attachment part” has been installed first. It includes one orseveral “Spreader beams” (904), which can have any design, material orsize. In this example, the “Spreader beams” (904) have a rotated U shapewhich corresponds to the L shape of the TBs (908) which fit in them. The“Spreader beams” (904) are affixed to the roof (902) by “Fixing members”(912), either affixed to the plywood sheet (905), possibly using“Spreader legs”, or affixed to the underlying “Structural members” (906)through the plywood sheet.

In this embodiment, the LSCs (915) comprise a top portion (917) on whichare attached the clamps (913) or the panels (916), a central portion(918), an attachment portion (919) that allows for attaching the LSCs tothe TB, as well as a top groove at the top of the LSC (950) and a grooveat the bottom or on the side of the LSC (951), both grooves where a nutor a fastener can slide in order for a screw to secure loads or objectsas well as drip formers (930).

In this embodiment, the L shaped TB (908) is attached at the tip of thechannel (911) and of the LSCs (915) in order to provide transversalrigidity to the PComp and to provide a vertical support on which the WB(909) can go up as a flashing system at the tip of the channel. Thesubstantially horizontal leg of the TB goes below the LSCs and isattached to the substantially horizontal member of the LSCs by“attachment members” (931). In some embodiments, hooks (932) areattached to the LSCs. When the PComp is driven down to be installed, theup-hill side is driven down first until the L shaped TB (908) fits inthe hollow part of the substantially U shaped “Spreader beam” (904) andthe hook (932) gets hold of the upper part of the “Spreader beam”. Thenthe PComp is driven down, which causes it to hinge around the hook. Thisway, positioning the PComp is easy: once the hooks (932) are connectedto the TB and work as a hinge, the PComp rotates around the axis formedby the edge of the TB and remains perfectly aligned. When the PComp isin place, it is fastened to the “Spreader beam” (904): “Main fasteners”(914) screw the top part of the “Spreader beam” (904) to the top of theLSCs (915) or of the hooks (932), which is easy to do from the top andcan be done by crews or automated machines.

The “spreader beam” (904) is higher than the PComp so it can be used asa support for flashing systems.

It is possible to get the area below the FMU (901) free of any water bypreventing water from penetrating below the WB (909), which can be doneby creating a “Waterproof curtain” at the “Waterproof barrier's”perimeter. A “Waterproof curtain” can be created either on the up-hillside façade of the FMU (901) or on the lateral sides if needed, or atthe eave side, or both. When the FMU is not installed on a ridge,waterproof curtains can be created on some or all of the sides of theFMU.

In this embodiment, the FMU is integrated into the roof, it is part ofthe building's waterproofing system. Water flowing on the roof above theFMU either hits an “Up-hill side flashing system” (925), which rises ashigh as the “Spreader beam” (904), and overlaps it, which means in thiscase the “Up-hill side flashing system” goes higher than the PComp. Asthe WB (909) goes as far as the end of the LSCs (915) which areoverlapped by the “Spreader beam” a drop of water falling on the top ofthe “Up-hill side flashing system” could only go either in thewaterproof channel (911) or on the up-hill side of the “Up-hill sideflashing system” and be guided away. The “Up-hill side flashing systemis shaped as a cricket system (926) that guides water to the sides ofthe FMU or to a gutter installed between 2 FMUs. This up-hill flashingsystem (925), with or without cricket (926), can be used in otherconfigurations wherein the spreader beam (904) and TB (908) have adifferent design.

On the lateral sides of the FMU (901), a “Lateral flashing system” (910)can be created when needed, but some embodiments do not use “Lateralflashing systems”.

Waterproof Curtain and Up-Hill Side Waterproofing:

The PComp is waterproofed using a WB (909), which in this example is afolded impervious sheet, resting on a MFB (927) spanning from LSC (915)to LSC (915) that goes up along the lateral walls of the LSCs and upalong the TB, thus creating a ventilation channel (911) between the LSCs(915), the panels (916), the TB and the waterproofing sheet or membrane(909).

The “Up-hill side flashing sheet” (925) is made of one or severalcomponents or sheets of impervious material, is installed such that itdrive any water flowing from the upper part of the roof either on thesides on the FMU or inside the channel (911). This “Up-hill sideflashing sheet” (925) is slipped below the upper covering material (907)like a classical flashing system, goes over the “Spreader beam” (904)and in some cases covers the “Main fasteners”.

In order to guide water away from the FMU, the “Up-hill side flashingsheet” (925) may have a cricket style shape (926). In order to preventwater from penetrating laterally below the FMU, the “Up-hill sideflashing sheet” (925) overlaps the “Lateral flashing system” (924), ifany.

The air flow (920) exits the channel (911) by vents (928) in “Topdressing elements” (929), louvres or grilles.

Waterproof Curtain and Lateral Waterproofing:

In some specific embodiments, a “Lateral waterproofing system” (924) isadded in order to prevent lateral water penetrations. A “Lateralshoulder” (922) such as a board is installed on the outer side of theouter LSC (915) of a FMU or of a group of FMUs. It can be installedprior to, or in the same time as the AComp is installed, or later. Aflashing system (910), appropriate for the type of surrounding roofingmaterial, is installed on the shoulder (922). The flashing system canfavorably be protected by a drip formed by the LSC or by another system.In some cases, a cover (923) or a “Dressing element” made of membrane orof folded metal or of other materials, overlaps the flashing system(910) as a drip former. Depending on the LSC's design, the cover (923)either fits below a drip former of the LSC (915) and overlaps theflashing system (910) or wraps around the LSC so water can only goeither inside the channel (911) or on the roof (902) and water cannot gobehind the flashing system and below the FMU. The “Lateral waterproofingsystem” (924) is then inserted between the LSC (915) and the cover(923). In some cases, the cover (923) comes with the off-structureconstructed FMU: the “Lateral waterproofing system” is installed firstand the LSC and the cover cap it when the PComp is craned down onto theroof.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view that illustrates an example of offstructure FMU construction bench, which can be fixed or transportablefor use in the shop or on site. FIG. 10 also refers to elements that aredescribed in FIG. 1A, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or other figures.

Various embodiments of the system and process of FIG. 10 can be designedand used for various types of FMUs and products, including FMUs, rooftopFMUs, canopy tops, FMU canopies, Canopy Top Carports and other designs.

In some cases, FMUs can be constructed in a shop or in a factory distantfrom their final installation location or they can be constructed closeto the installation location using a portable version of the tools andmachinery described in FIG. 9 or using portable tools.

It is more efficient to build the FMU in a workshop or in a convenientsite than on the host structure such as on a roof or on a solar farmstructure. It is cheaper, quicker, less dangerous, the quality is muchbetter achieved and controlled, and adaptations are easier.

In some cases, FMUs (1011) use LSCs (1017) or rails that makeoff-structure construction easy since they generate a repetitiveconstruction system and they are structurally rigid which allows fortransportation and manipulation and thus easier mounting.

The off structure construction bench may be off-site or on-site,possibly in a permanent shop, or in a temporary shop such as a tent(1001), or outdoor, or on a mobile platform such as a truck or a train,or portable. Some embodiments of off structure FMU construction benchescan be quickly installed on a site and dismounted after reuse.

Two parallel tracks or rails (1002) are installed and their level andheight adjusted using height adjustment systems. One or several mobilepathways (1003) roll on the tracks (1002). The FMU (1011) is builtbetween the tracks. In some embodiments, the mobile pathway directlysupports robotic or manual tools (1004). In some embodiments, the toolsare installed on one or several carts (1005), which can movetransversally on the mobile pathway (1003) in order to come closer tothe area they work on. In some embodiments, another set of carts (1006)is installed below the mobile pathway in order to carry tools (1007)that perform other tasks. In some embodiments, lower carts (1012) orin-channel carts, also carrying tools, are below the level of the panels(1013) in order to perform specific tasks. Embodiments of off structureFMU construction benches can have various levels of automation. In somecases, all the tasks are performed by crewmembers. In some cases some orall of the tasks are performed automatically. The off structure FMUconstruction bench may include lifting tools, suckers, drillers, screwdriving tools, welding tools, riveting tools, gluing tools, robotichands and arms, testing tools, measurement tools, tools for makingelectric connections, and any other tool that is needed.

The mobile pathway (1003) rolls above the FMU (1011) to be built. TheFMU is built layer after layer in some cases starting from the bottom.Depending on the to-be-built FMU's design, the steps to be performed maydiffer. In some cases, some jobs need to be done from below as well asfrom above the FMU.

In an example of embodiment, the TBs (1008), if any, or components ofthe AComp, if any, or the transportation frames, if any, or otherunderlying components, if any, are installed first on the bench.Positioning the elements on the bench can be done robotically ormanually using computer driven positioning or simple mechanical methods.The accessories (such as waterproofing, insulation, rigid boards,sensors or other equipment or accessories), dressings or finishingelements can be installed at various steps of the process. The wiring,if any, can be made during the off-structure construction phase. In somecases, a transport framework or protections can be added. Additionalsteps can be performed depending on the specifications of the product.In some cases, the products can be tested at the end of theprefabrication process.

In another example of embodiment, the set of panels (1050) is preparedseparately. The panels are placed in their correct position relative toeach other, using jigs (1051), markings or electronic positioning, andheld in this position. This can be done anywhere, including away fromthe LSCs, for example above of on the side. In case of electric panels,for example solar panels, the wires (1053) can be connected at thisstep. The panel set is held either by supporting systems placedunderneath the panels or the panels are suspended to a system abovelocated (1052), which can for example use magnetic systems, suctionsystems or mechanical systems to hold the objects. The set of panelstherefore become a movable object which can be placed in a convenientlocation for work to be done, by humans or machines, such as fastening,wiring, connecting, testing, installing accessories (1054), sensors, orother components or performing any other task. Once the panel set isready, it is moved as a whole to its destination, for example moved tothe top of a prepared set of LSCs using an aerial transportation system,and fastened or connected thus connecting 2 sub-ensembles of the FMU.The set of panels is then fastened to the LSCs (1017) either manually orrobotically for example using one or more automated drill-presses thatmove to the location of each fastener and screw, drill, weld or fastenas needed. This assembling process can be performed by crewmembers or itcan be partly or completely automated.

The necessary components are prepared before the assembling starts andthey are stored in a storage area (1009) close to the bench. Preparingthe components can be done manually or automatically. It involves taskssuch as unpacking the panels (1010), cutting the LSCs, TB's, “Spreaderbeams, cutting or forming the WB (1014), pre-piercing, painting, orother tasks.

In the example of FIG. 10, a FMU is being constructed on the bench. Apart of the FMU (1015) is already complete. Another part (1016) is beingbuilt. The LSCs (1017) have been carried from the storage area andpositioned precisely where they need to be. In this case, the LSCs areinstalled on TBs (1008). An example of process is as follows (theprocess may change with the embodiments of FMU and other processes arepossible):

-   -   If the FMU includes underlying components such as TBs or others,        the mobile pathway (1003) or crewmembers helped by the mobile        pathway or crewmembers go get them in the storage area and        position them in the right place.    -   If the FMU includes LSCs (1017), the mobile pathway (1003) or        crewmembers or crewmembers helped by the mobile pathway go get        them in the storage area and position them in the right place        either on their supporting structure such as the TBs or on an        ad-hoc supporting member of the off structure FMU construction        bench.    -   The LSCs (1017) are attached them to the TBs, either manually by        crewmembers or using the mobile pathway (1003) rolling above the        attachment location and carrying a driller or a screw driver.        The mobile pathway can carry several tools (1004) in the same        time or it can work row by row, or it has one or several carts        (1003), which roll on the mobile pathway in order to reach all        the width of the to be built FMU. In some embodiments, an        automated tool (1004) is able to perform the attachment of the        LSC onto the TBs without human intervention.    -   If the FMU includes lower level accessories, some of them can be        installed at this time    -   If the FMU includes a WB, the mobile pathway (1003) or        crewmembers go get it in the storage area and position it in the        right place (in this case, the WB (1018) sits between the LSCs).        In some cases, boards, structural systems, insulation or other        systems are also installed. In some cases, this step occurs        earlier or later in the process for example the WB or boards can        be prepositioned first and then installed afterwards or other        solutions.    -   If the WB (1018) needs additional labor such as attaching it,        performing flashing jobs, verifying its position or other tasks,        it can be done either manually by crewmembers standing close to        the WB, or by crewmembers installed on the mobile pathway, or by        automated or remote controlled tools carried by one of the        mobile pathways or one of the carts, or it can be by a robotic        hand carried by in-channel lower carts (1012)    -   If in channel accessories, such as sensors (1022) or other        elements, are to be installed below the panels (1013), they can        be installed at this time.    -   The mobile pathway (1003) or crewmembers go get one or several        panels (1010) in the storage area and position the panel (1019)        in the right place (in this case, the panel sits on LSCs). If        the panels are electric or carry fluids, a connection may need        to be made.    -   Connecting the panel's (1019) cables (1020) can be done by        crewmembers or by robotic hands while the panel is lifted like        in FIG. 10, or it can be by a robotic hand (1021) carried by        in-channel lower carts (1012)    -   If accessories, dressing elements or other components or        finishing jobs need to be added, it can be done at any step of        the process. For example, if “FMU canopies” are being built,        several additional steps are required to install the        accessories, the columns and other components.    -   The FMU can be tested while it is still on the bench. For        example its electrical performance, its waterproofing, its        aspect can be assessed.    -   The completed FMU can now roll out of the bench or be lifted out        of the off structure FMU construction bench, possibly after        installing protection systems, transportation frames, hooks or        other elements. In some cases, small FMUs are to be shipped to        remote locations, in some cases, especially for the large units,        FMUs can be used on site, for example be craned out of the bench        and directly installed on site.

Off-structure construction may include customization as described above.The FMU may be designed to use a certain number of determined componentsas well as a large number of additional components or some of thesecomponents can be adjusted or modified using a certain range ofvariation or can be replaced by a number of alternative options.Accessories or additional components or features can be added. The FMU'svariations may be framed by the off-structure constructionpossibilities, such as size, materials, technical compatibility,requirements, as well as by the shipping restrictions or otherparameters.

The off-structure construction tools may be driven by Computer NumericalControl (CNC) systems and may in some cases use data provided by the 3dmodeling software or be integrated in a fully computerized supply chainmanagement system. Off-structure construction may be manned orautomated: installing the components in the right place, attaching them,wiring, testing and verifying may be automated tasks. A software systemmay also control the components stock or the fabrication tools or thecontrol systems or the transportation systems. The CNC system may beconnected with the computer design system. In some cases, all theconstruction process, as well as the test results may be recorded andthe data stored in a database in order to provide long term tracking ofthe FMU and its components. Mounting data or instructions can beimplemented in the product or supplied with it.

The described off structure FMU construction benches can be used for FMUor for any other purpose.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart that illustrates an example of flow chart for anautomated or facilitated “site information analysis” process that can beused for site assessment jobs including for the evaluation of sites'solar potential. The example of process is summarized in 4 steps (1151,1152, 1153, 1154), each step is illustrated by examples of screenshotsof a computer system. FIG. 11 also refers to elements described in FIGS.1 to 10 or other figures. FIG. 11, 12, 13, 14 describe steps ofprocesses and technologies which can be combined if needed. All of themmay refer to elements described in other figures.

FMUs change completely the way projects are conceived and executed.Since FMUs are designed like modules that can have almost any shape,size or function, a response can be tailored for any case. Since FMUsare constructed off structure, they can be marketed as a line ofproducts clients can choose from or can customize to their needs. SinceFMUs sometimes use precise site data, it is possible to assess quicklywhat project fits in what site and for what result. Since FMUs aresometimes built off structure by automated processes out of a library ofcomponents, they can be automatically designed and constructed by crewor machines. Since they can be installed automatically, since the clientscan be selected automatically, FMUs in some cases allow for acompletely computer driven automated process including client, projector site assessment, sale, design, construction, installation andmaintenance.

FIGS. 11, 12, 13, 14 describe these innovations. Design and evaluationprocesses are illustrated using examples of screenshots, graphicdesigns, user interfaces, types of displayed information and otherconsiderations that can have many embodiments. Examples of embodimentsare described but adapting the processes to specific needs may lead tocreate different embodiments.

FIG. 11 focuses on quick project assessment. Performing a “siteinformation analysis” allows assessing how suitable the site is toinstalling FMUs. A checklist of points to be assessed is built. In thecase of solar, it includes for example shading, roof orientation, roofslopes and size, roof material and condition, trees, chimneys, ease ofaccess, power lines, free ground space, slope and shading, etc., or anyrelevant criteria. This analysis can be performed using available orcustom-made data such as photographic information (for example GoogleEarth, Google Street View, or other information providers) or 3dinformation or other information, or manned site visits, etc.

In some cases, the “site information analysis” process is automated: acomputer program or an operator performs shape recognition, 3dinformation or intelligent data mining or other relevant jobs in orderto analyze a site or a project opportunity and to find out how suited itis for a project, or it can answer a list of questions or rateopportunities using specific criteria. The system can be fed data suchas aerial views or other information such as 3d information or othermeasurements. For example, a computer system using image processingprograms analyzes an aerial view or a 3d database and determines wherethe buildings are, what their shape is, what their roofs are, with theirslopes, orientations, shadings, materials, etc. or assesses the ease ofaccess, the obstacles, wires, trees, etc. and assesses how good it isfor solar product installation. Such a process can be performed case bycase on demand, or it can be run systematically on large areas: forexample a computer using Google earth information, or any other sourceof information such as data bases or customer provided information suchas pictures or descriptions, could analyze systematically hundreds oflots of a neighborhood and provide relevant information, sorting,ranking, etc. A set of buildings or locations is measured in the sametime. For example a street, a part of a street or of a neighborhood canbe analyzed, for example using a drone system, manual or automated, orvehicles manned or unmanned. The computer system is then able toidentify each structure or property and to package a set of informationabout it. It may cross-reference the measured data with other availabledata such as satellite views, aerial imaging, street level views orothers, data about energy consumption, about energy costs, aboutpolicies, incentives, about trends or public statements or opinion,shading or other information, other types of pictures or measurements,personal data, etc., data from external sources such as social media,information database, public or private databases, etc., in order tohelp determine which cases are the most interesting to be worked on. Amarketing approach can then be devised. Any other kind of use can bemade with this data, such as maps, reports, information databases, etc.the data can be shared or be kept private. This analysis may be run inadvance in order to make the information available when needed or be runupon demand. The result can be utilized to direct the customeracquisition efforts or be fed to the online evaluation system that isdescribed below.

FIG. 11 illustrates 4 steps. In step 1 (1151), a site to be studied isidentified; in step 2 (1152), the main characteristics are revealed; instep 3 (1153) a project is drafted; in step 4 (1154) the proposedproject is assessed.

Not all these steps have to be taken at each time, and this is only anexample of embodiment of a process that can be used in many other waysor purposes. In some cases, some of the steps can be taken with humansupervision; in some cases, the process can be entirely automated. Thesteps and screenshots presented are only examples aiming at illustratingwhat kind of approach is proposed, but other embodiments are possible.

In step 1 (1151), a potential project's site, a house (1102) in thisexample, is showed and characterized. In some cases, the computer systemis able to analyze images or other data and to identify a property,describe its limits, its buildings, its address, or to cross thisinformation with data from other sources of information. The sameprocess can be run using 3d models if available or other data.

Computer screenshot 1A illustrates an example of street level picture orperspective view of the site. The computer system finds, identifies andshows a house (1102), a yard (1101), 2 trees (1103).

Computer screenshot 1B illustrates an example of top view of the samesite, taken for example from Google Earth or other databases. Thecomputer system identifies and shows a house (1102), a yard (1101), 2trees (1103) with another point of view.

Computer screenshot 1C illustrates an example of another street levelimage taken for example from Google Street View or any other source.Information can also be provided by clients, crewmembers or otherplayers. It shows a house (1102), a yard (1101), 2 trees (1103). Thecomputer system has identified its target and starts assessing theproject's value.

In step 2 (1152), the main characteristics of the site relative to theproject's goal are identified and quantified by the computer, which hasanalyzed the images and other data available.

Computer screenshot 2A illustrates how the system identifies keyelements that make sense for the analysis it is running (for each targetapplications, specific key elements or identification priorities shouldbe selected). In this example with a solar project target, the systemhas identified the building (1102) on the top view. In this example, ithas identified the roofs ridge (1114) and slopes (1115, 1116) andselected the sun-facing root (1104) and it has measured it.

Computer screenshot 2B illustrates the trees (1103) the system hasidentified and identified. The system has calculated the shading (1105)they cause on the south facing roof (1104) of the house (1102).

Computer screenshot 2C illustrates how the system has analyzed the site,the trees, the accesses and obstacles, has studied various types oflifting systems such as cranes or trucks or other lifting systemsavailable, calculated their range (1108, 1109), and it has proposed twolocations (1106, 1107) that enable a crane access to the target roof.The system may then propose a type of equipment to be used depending ona choice of information such as the location, the height and weight, thenature of the ground, the cost, the availability or other factors.

Other steps or different steps could be taken if they are needed by aspecific type of project.

In step 3 (1153), the conclusions of step 2 are used to draft and assessproject proposals.

Computer screenshot 3A illustrates how the system has identified theobstacles to the considered process, such as trees (1103), power lines(1113), fences, or other obstacles to the use of cranes, drones or othertools.

Computer screenshot 3B illustrates how the system has determined theusable area (1110) of the roof, which in this example is the area thatis south facing, not shaded by the trees, accessible to the crane, andit has tried to determine the roof's materials or structure or othertechnical information.

Computer screenshot 3C shows the usable area (1110) of the building's(1102) roof the system has determined and what models of FMU (1111) canbe used, and or other characteristics. In the case of a solar project,knowing the location, the azimuth, the pitch, the shading and theenvironment, the computer system can estimate the output, the investmentand the profitability.

In step 4 (1154) the system compares the results of the “siteinformation analysis” performed in steps 1, 2, 3 with the results of a“statistics analysis”, if available. If it is not available, thisanalysis can be performed manually. Since Step 3 has identified ordesigned one or several design options, the system estimates the costand compares what can be done technically and for what cost (result of“site information analysis”) with what should be done (result of“statistics analysis”): for example, how much power is needed for thishome, can the owner afford it, what the building or fire code requires,what the owner thinks about solar, etc. In some cases, an estimate ofthe investment cost and profitability is made. In some cases, the systemis able to propose ways to reach out to the target client, to helpdefine a personalized sales pitch, search for optimal channels to reachout to him, for referents he could trust, friends that could talk tohim, etc, or to find ways to help him feel like discovering about theproducts and processes. In some cases the system is able to reach out tothe potential customer automatically.

In this example, this is the end of the “site information analysis”. Theresult is an assessment of the solar potential of this house: what FMUsor product can be used and how much power can be installed is known, aswell as the ease of the process, the efficiency, energy output,profitability, and many other things. Any other assessment relevant tothe goals or the target application can be determined by a similar kindof process. This project assessment, when done by crewmembers visitingsites traditionally takes hours and it can be done in a few minutesusing these technologies and processes. If the project was to beordered, the fabrication and installation processes described in otherfigures would start at this point.

This example can be used on a case-by-case basis. The same type ofprocess can also be used to scan an entire region in order to provide aselection of targets to be approached and hopefully some informationabout how to approach them. This will greatly improve the efficiency ofmarketing efforts. It can also be used to review methodically potentialopportunities (sites, people, businesses, etc.) revealed by databaseanalysis or “statistics analysis”: the cases can be assessedautomatically or semi automatically. For example for installing a solarsystem, if electrical or revenue data is available for a list of cases,for example using automated data exchange with the utility, these casescan be systematically assessed before any action is taken.

In some cases, one or more of the following processes is performedautomatically or by users:

-   -   Automated scanning of an entire neighborhood's data        (“statistics” analysis)    -   Automated selection of the best sites as determined by        “statistics” analysis    -   Automated roofs detection, sizing, and assessment (slopes,        shading, access, etc.)    -   Automated design of the project, including product or FMU        selection, based on available information such as energy        consumption and financial possibilities    -   Automated reach out to potential customer    -   Automated online sale process, including paperwork, contract and        payment    -   Automated permitting    -   Automated sourcing and prefabrication of the product    -   Automated shipment    -   Automated installation    -   Automated maintenance and monitoring

Another way to use this system is the other way around: starting with acase: a site or a potential client has been identified by varioustechniques, or a person wants to know what can be done: a personalizedprofile is built, and some or all of the above processes are run toprovide the needed answers. In other cases, a general study is performedon a region or a country or a category of cases, etc. This system alsoenables online interaction, as we shall see below.

FIG. 12 is a diagram that illustrates an example of steps for asimplified or automated FMU design, construction and installationprocess. The example of process is summarized in 6 steps (1251, 1252,1253, 1254, 1255, 1256). FIG. 12 also refers to elements described inFIGS. 1 to 11 or other figures.

In specific cases, this process occurs after an assessment process suchthe ones described in FIG. 11. The starting point of this process can bea human input or it can he the result of processes described in otherfigures.

Not all these steps have to be taken at each time, and this onlyillustrates an example of embodiment of a process that can be used inmany other ways or for other purposes. In some cases, some of the stepscan be taken with human supervision; in some cases, the process can beentirely automated. The computer programs can in some cases be runlocally or online. Running it remotely or online enables in some casesonline design and online sales.

The steps presented are only examples aiming at illustrating what kindof approach is proposed, but other embodiments are possible. The processis illustrated with an example of project on an existing buildings butmany other cases of application are possible.

Steps 1 (1251), 2 (1252), and 3 (1253), illustrated by examples ofscreenshots can be computer driven or run manually.

In Step 1 (1251), the computer displays a 3d model (1201) of a hoststructure. This 3d model has been built previously, possibly using oneof the methods described in other figures, or using other methods. Theproject may have been selected using one of the methods described inother figures, or it may have been proposed by users. In some cases,this host structure has been selected using a “statistics+siteinformation analysis” as described in other figures.

In step 2 (1252), an example of screenshot shows both the 3d model(1201) and a library of available 3d models (1202) of FMUs, which a useror an automated computer system can drag over the 3d model: the selectedvirtual FMU (1220) is installed virtually on the 3d model (1201) of thehost structure in order to assess the feasibility and to virtuallypreview the FMUs onsite, to choose what product fits better if there isa choice of FMUs, or to design special products or systems.

In step 3 (1253), an example of screenshot shows how the 3d model of achosen FMUs (1220) is installed on the 3d model of a host structure(1201). The 3d model can then be customized on the computer to become anew customized FMU (1203). In this example, the new FMU (1203) iscustomized with “Dressing elements” (1209) so that the customized FMUmatches the size and color of the roof.

In step 4 (1254), the 3d model (1203) of the FMU selected, designed orcustomized on the computer in step 3, is translated into a quote (1204),a technical description (1205), a list of parts (1206), instructions ordata for fabrication (1207) and instructions or data for installation(1208) and maintenance, which can be used in manual or automatedprocesses. Questions, options or validations can be needed at each step.

In some cases, the 3d model describes the exact configuration: forexample, model, type, number, size, description, specifications of thetop dressing elements (1209), lateral dressing elements (1210), enddressing elements (1211), panels (1212), WB (1213), LSCs (1214), TBs(1215), flashing systems (1216), adjustment systems (1217) or othercomponents.

In some embodiments, the computer system generates instructions forprocuring the components and for the whole prefabrication process: howthe components are selected, prepared, cut, attached, processed, tested,etc. Using this method enables a complete computer driven fabricationsystem that allows for a wide range of customization. If the customizedproduct has been designed and prefabricated to fit precisely the hoststructure, the product may be designed and built to fit in the exactconfiguration of the host structure, for example it can be made at aspecific length, width or shape to match exactly the planarity defectsof a roof, or other specific requirements, based on the informationcollected on site, either manually or using one of the improved methodsdescribed herein. In this case, the product is supplied with a set ofdata and mounting instruction (1208), part of the “Data component”, suchas methods and tools, key geometric points, localization instructions,wiring, access, etc.

In step 5 (1255), the components are procured, manufactured, prepared,possibly tested, shipped. Components are assembled, possibly on an offstructure FMU construction bench as described in other figures. Thisoff-structure construction phase can be manual or automated and can bein some cases entirely automatic.

In step 6 (1256), the completed FMU (1218) is installed on the hoststructure (1219). In some cases the installation process is manual orpartly automated and in some embodiments it is entirely automated.

As a result, all the steps from the inception of the design to thecompleted installation can be almost 100% automated with very few humaninterventions such as validations, choices, and a few jobs to beperformed on site by crewmembers.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart that illustrates an example of embodiment of a“statistics analysis” method, which allows for quickly selecting projectopportunities. FIG. 13 refers to elements described in FIG. 11, 12, 14,15 or other figures.

A lot of information about sites is publicly available, for exampleusing Google Earth, Google street view, satellite imagery, 3dmeasurement information, other geographic databases, etc. Thisinformation can be completed with local pictures or measurements or byad-hoc built databases or information provided by users. An analysis ofthe site's potential can be run using this information, as describedbelow. This analysis is also referred to as “site information analysis”.

Evaluating quickly a site's or a customer's potential has downward andupward advantages: downward, herein called “statistics analysis”, itenables teams to efficiently select their targets and to point theirefforts in the best direction: they can use data analysis to determinethe best targets for their product. Upwards, herein called “siteinformation analysis”, it enables to provide relevant information to apotential customer or a crewmember wanting to evaluate the potential ofa specific case. For example one may want to check if a home or alocation or a person is a good fit for a solar product or any otheroffer. It is possible to estimate the potential of a site much quickerthan before. The processes described in this chapter can be used eitherto provide a quick service to the public or to enable professional teamsto be more efficient in their marketing or design processes.

“Statistics analysis” and “site information analysis” are describedbelow. They can be performed in any order or in the same time.

“Database Information” (1304)

Other types of information may be used: information about the locationand the economic landscape, information about clients, information aboutthe site, or other types of information . . . . Data is available invarious databases (1304), or it can be built on purpose. Social mediaand many publically available sources of data can also be used. Thisdata can be collected, cross-referenced and analyzed to determine thebest potential cases. This analysis will be referred to as “statisticsanalysis”.

For example if information is collected on subjects such as:

-   -   Geographic general information (1310) such as climate (1312),        energy costs, rates, policies (1311) and solar resource,        financial data, shadows, access, labor cost, distance, local        buildings codes (1315), local fire codes, etc.,    -   Personal information such as energy consumption and bills,        information about the site's occupant such as income (1314),        taxation level, electric car ownership, consumer's profile,        political or religious opinions (1313), friends network and        profile, memberships, etc.,    -   Information about the site such as: who owns the site, the land        or the building, who manages it, what is known about them,        information about the land's or the building's status, about        permitting and scheduled works, about the building's condition,        about the rent, the renter, the renters financial situation,        opinions, etc.    -   Or other information (1316)

This information can be processed in order to sort the best potentialareas, clients, sites or scenarios, to build typologies and prioritizemarketing efforts by building opportunity analysis tables and maps. Insome cases, it is also able to give indications about how to interact(1317) with this potential client. This mapping, sorting or ranking canbe as precise as the data is, hopefully as specific as lot per lot,person per person or business per business. This analysis is referred toas “statistics analysis”.

“Statistics Analysis” [0369] A “statistics analysis” can be performed inorder to create maps or tables showing very precisely where and who arethe best potential targets. This analysis can be performed independentlyor on demand for a specific request.

As an example, such a system can determine the areas where exist in thesame time renewable energy policies, solar resource, high power rates,wealthy and green-minded inhabitants and favorable building codes. Thesystem can determine areas (counties, cities, blocks, streets,buildings, etc.) on maps or tables, in some cases building per building,lot per lot or person per person, and in some cases go as far as preselecting sites, people or businesses as potential targets to be lookedinto. The system can build profiles of customers, sites or businessesand information about the way and channels to approach them. The system,provided it has access the right data, can for example determine theclients whose energy consumption profile, or political opinion,financial status, education, interests, profession, friends network orany other criteria which make their more likely to be interested in thesolutions proposed. For example, if the electricity consumption recordsof the clients in an area can be accessed, the analysis can easilydetermine the best targets, and cross reference this information withother criteria to sort and rank the best potential opportunities. Inanother example, this analysis can be performed in response to a requestabout a site that is being assessed or that has been selected for anyreason.

FIG. 13 shows an example of process for solar project applications. Thisexample of process is in 3 steps: databases (1304), data processing(1305), results and ranking (1306). Examples of databases (1304) areillustrated: in this example: geographic information (1310), policies(1311), climate (1312), opinions (1313), incomes (1314), taxes andloans, codes (1315), building permit records (1318), real estate databases (1319), social media (1320), interviews and feed back (1317),other sources. Other databases can be used for specific jobs. Examplesof data processing either manually or using computers, possiblyaccording to criteria input by the user of the system, are illustratedin FIG. 13.

Examples of results and ranking (1306) presentation are illustrated. Thesystem makes sense of this data, sorts the information and ranks theopportunities according to criteria. The information is then translatedeither graphically or in charts. The information, once it has beenprocessed (1308) can be displayed in any possible way or sorted (1307)according to any criteria. In the example illustrated, the results arepresented as:

-   -   Maps of regions or of neighborhoods (1301), which sort the areas        per level of each criterion (1309) or propose representations of        mixed information,    -   Tables and charts (1302), in this example, they show information        about businesses,    -   Information about people (1303). In other cases, other sources        of information can be used and they can be processed differently        or for other purposes.

Other sorting or categories can be used and many embodiments arepossible. But this information does not always indicate if a site or abuilding, even located in a pre-selected area, is optimal for solarenergy (or for other purposes or target applications): is it shaded,accessible, cluttered by power lines, is there free space, availablewell oriented roofs, or does it meet other requirements? A site or acustomer may have the ideal set of climate, politics and income and beunsuitable for solar for example be shaded or have bad roofs (or haveother problems for the target applications). In the case of solar, it iseasy to use aerial photography to verify these points.

In some cases, the “statistics analysis” results and the “Siteinformation analysis” results described in other figures need to becrossed in order to select the best opportunities. These analysis areperformed manually or automatically.

Crossing “statistics analysis” and “site information analysis” allows toquickly select targets and evaluate their potential. In some cases, moredetailed reporting such as site visits, automated measurements (forexample drones as described above or other methods) can be required. Theinformation may need to be regularly updated and the automatic processto be run again from time to time.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart that illustrates an example of steps for anautomated or facilitated design process. The example of process issummarized in 4 steps (1451, 1452, 1453, 1454), each step is illustratedby an example of screenshot of a computer system's screen. FIG. 14 alsorefers to elements described in other figures.

In step 1 (1451), a 3d model (1401) of a structure is displayed on thecomputer screen (1402). It may have been created earlier.

In step 2 (1452), various examples of 3d models (1403, 1404, 1412),taken from a library of FMU 3d models, or other objects, are virtuallyplaced and are tested on the 3d model (1401) of the building. Thisallows for picking, out of a library of products or FMUs, the product orFMU that works best for a specific project, or for defining a newproduct or FMU, or a customized product or FMU for a specific case, andfor testing the results of its implementation on site.

In step 3 (1453), in this example, a triangular part, or any otherportion, of the roof (1405) of the building (1401) or structure has beenselected as well as a model of FMU (1406). Key geometric points (1407),such as A, B, C in this example, are selected and characterized on the3d model (1401) in order to provide data for positioning properly theFMU (1406) on the actual roof (1405) when installed automatically ormanually. In this example, it is however decided to design a customizedFMU with a triangular shape that matches the shape of the roof.

In step 4 (1454), using the key geometric points A, B, C (1407), acustomized FMU (1414) is designed to match the exact dimensions such asx, y, z (1408) of the roof (1413). In this example, the newto-be-created customized FMU (1414) is based on a standard FMU (1403)that is extended with more panels (1410) and 2 types of “Top dressingelements” (1409, 1411) and possibly other dressing elements oraccessories. A 3d model of the customized FMU is made and can bevirtually tested on the 3d model of the host structure (1401), possiblymodified as much as needed, and the data sent for fabrication. Severalscenarios can be tested and many other designs can be made.

The overall process can be run by crewmembers or users or automaticallyby computer systems. Once the project is approved, the 3d model isconstructed as described in other figures.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a computer screen (1511) that displaysan example of FMU implementation design process. FIG. 15 also refers toelements described in other figures.

The screenshot illustrates an example of site assessment and designprogram that can be proposed on a website or in the computer programusers could use. Clicking on any element may display more details aboutit. The drawings aim at showing examples of functions, logics andprocesses but other designs and layout can be implemented andfunctionalities can be added.

-   -   On a part of the screen (1511) are showed views (1501) or        information about the site, such as eye level view (1516),        aerial view (1517), perspective view or 3d model (1518), either        provided automatically by the system (for example extracted from        databases or from public sources like “Google Street View”,        “Google earth”, satellite photographic databases or other        sources), or uploaded by the teams or the visitor, or resulting        from some calculation. On a part of the screen (in this example,        on the left) is illustrated a library (1502) of FMU models        (1505, 1506, 1512) to choose from. Scrolling down, a “customize”        window (1503) may show more styles, customization possibilities        or specific products (1513, 1514) or more information. More        information on each product can be obtained by clicking on it or        hovering over it, or in any other way.    -   On another part of the screen, in this example the center window        (1515), is displayed a top view (1504) of a host structure        (1550) (this is a 2D example, but it could also use 3d models if        available) onto which FMUs (1505, 1506) are being dragged from        the library (1502) so the roof (1507) is being virtually        equipped with FMUs (1505, 1506) that are displayed with the        slope and angle taken into account. If 3D models can be used,        many other views can be provided, alternatively or        simultaneously. This part of the screen may show various        information the system can provide or calculate and may in some        cases be customizable too by the user: in this example, is        displayed information (1521) such as the dimensions of the roof        (1508), the azimuth (1519) and slope (1520), and the resulting        efficiency (1522), the estimated shading (1521), as well as a        compass (1523), or other information.    -   Another part of the screen shows data. In this example, a “Your        Data” (1509) section shows information such as the visitor's        personal data (but it can be an alias) such as address, energy        usage and cost, but other data can be displayed. This        information may have been collected previously or automatically        (as described in other figures) or it may be entered by the        user. A “Your Project” section (1510) shows the main facts about        the simulation currently being conducted or about a previous        project. Several projects can be tested and saved. Other        information or views can be displayed with a different screen        design. In this example, the data include several saved        scenarios; scenario 1 (1524) is illustrated, displaying info        about the panels (1525), the selected FMUs (1529), the resulting        efficiency, the estimated yearly output (1526), the percentage        of offset consumption (1527), the expected annual savings        (1528), etc. Other sets of information can be displayed and be        customized. Other part of the screen can show other views of the        site, or display other information. Somewhere on one of the        screens a button could propose to contact the company for more        information or to take action such as launching the sale        process, the permitting process, the fabrication, or any other        process.

If the visitor does not decide to become a client at this time, he canbe kept updated and become a member of a virtual community. Once thevisitor has become a client, he has the opportunity to become a memberof the community and can perhaps monitor his system's performance online, track the data, compare to others, compete, optimize, decide toupgrade his system, make it bigger, or to refer friends or neighbors,etc. If the system is used by crewmembers, they can store projects orvariations for execution, presentation or further review, or they canlaunch downstream processes.

This design process allows for very quickly evaluating or designingproposals or for designing personalized solutions and, in someembodiments, it can also be used either by crewmembers or registeredusers, by designers such as architects, developers, engineers, etc., orit can be offered online to a larger audience. A feature of the systemallows designers to enter in the system a 3d design of a project (forexample a future building or a ground mounted solar farm project),instead of a model of an existing potential host structure, and to haveit assessed with the proposed solutions and products. Some design adviceor guidance can be automatically provided by the system or the case canbe referred to human teams for advice.

NB: The same processes can also be used in an offline version, for useby the teams only.

Using the 3D Model

Once the measurement is done and a 3d model (1518) of the host structureis built, the design process can begin. 3D models of the FMUs can bevirtually installed on the host structure and the project discussed withthe client, several versions can be tested, customization can beconsidered and the project pre-viewed. In some cases, 3D renderings canbe produced as well possibly as estimates.

If working with solar FMUs as described above, a computer system caneasily help quickly test various scenarios of implementation of the FMUconfiguration on a building, site or structure. As described above, thecomputer system uses a recognizable view of the host structure, forexample an aerial vertical view, finds its scale, size and orientationand virtually implements the product: an image or a 3d model of theproduct is used, put at scale, slope and angle and positioned at theright location.

Driven by Operator

This way, an operator can test in real time, in a few seconds, thevarious possibilities of a site with various combinations of products.In the case of a FMU, the computer system may, in some cases, haveaccess to information as described above and know about the site'senergy data (ex: consumption, rates, solar resource, etc.) and determinethe best set of products to reach a production target or to match thesite consumption. This operation can be manually performed by anoperator or it can be automated: the system needs to be fed with a 3dmodel of the host structure, or other information, and It can then testany combination of products using a set of design rules; design rulesare implemented in advance in the software. One or several versions orproposals can be drafted even if the potential client is not involved.If a marketing initiative is to be taken, it may now be done only onselected opportunities. The more information is available, the morerelevant the process. The system allows for assessing individualprojects or to batch process series of potential host sites eithermanually or automatically.

Driven by the Public

This wealth of information can also be used reverse way: instead ofbeing run by crewmembers, the computer system can be made available tothe public via the internet. This process is very efficient becausemembers of the public may spend their own time assessing their ownproject and finally decide to become a client without even needing to bereached by marketing crews. They select themselves, assess their ownproject and decide or not to make contact with the marketing teams. Thissaves long hours of useless marketing efforts directed to uninterestedtargets.

This allows for online sale of solar products or projects or of anyconstruction related project, and for widely accessible personalization.It also allows for online design of any project. It works as follows.The process is online. An example of process is described below.

-   -   A visitor connects to a website and either navigates in views or        representations (1501) such as Google Earth or other geographic        information systems or types in an address.    -   The visitor may be proposed to provide information (1509) or        personal data such as energy consumption reports, financial        statements or tax status, etc. As described above when        describing “statistics” and “site information analysis”, the        system may also, in some cases, have access to information about        the site, the client or the opportunity. The system will perform        its job using the information it has, if possible.    -   The computer system will try to provide a preview (1515) of a        solar system installed on a host structure. Products or FMUs may        be used as the system or as part of the system. 2D pictures with        geographic information such as Google Earth's may be used. In        some cases 3d information such a 3d models of buildings may be        available and be used directly. The system may have a lot of        pre-recorded information about the location (see chapter about        information). The system may be able to perform a “site        information analysis” and detect automatically for example the        roof's location, size, orientation (1523) and slope (1520),        shading and accesses, or the system may ask the visitor to help        with the information it needs such as roof identification, size,        slope, shading, materials, structural information, ease of        access, etc.    -   The visitor can review the line of products or FMUs (1502) and        test implementing on an image of the site (often it will be on a        roof, pictured by Google Earth) an image of the FMU adapted in        size, scale, scale, color, etc, or implementing a 3D model of        the FMU on a 3D model of the host structure, depending on the        available technology and information as shown in FIG. 14. The        system may automatically adapt the image of the FMU to the scale        of the view and to the estimated slope of the roof (may be        estimated by the website's visitor or may be calculated        automatically or may be available using databases) in order to        provide an accurate 2D or 3D view of the project: the FMU on the        host structure. Depending on the information available, this        pre-design process can be performed in 2D or in 3D.    -   The system may be able to calculate in real time information        about the configuration being tested, such as the products or        FMUs used (1529), the amount of power thus virtually installed        with the scenario (1524), or the system's output (1526), cost or        profitability or savings (1528), or the home's or homeowner's        corrected energy or financial profile (1527), any other relevant        information so the visitor can make informed choices.    -   Several versions can be easily tested, saved and compared.    -   The system may provide some feedback or propose advice and        improvements in order to manage an efficient interactive        process. Some level of customization (such as described above)        can be described online too, as well as a number of options.    -   The visitor may be constantly guided by the system through the        whole process.    -   The visitor may be offered to pick an architectural style out of        a line of styles of products or FMUs (1502) or to define his        own. He may be able to customize (1503) or define personal        settings, personal choices, personal colors, dressings and        personalize its products as described above. The FMU's        flexibility enables to design solar systems as real        architectural assets and to give this power to designers,        contractors or investors, but also to the visitor or the client        himself.    -   In some cases, the configuration may go as far as selecting the        technical components or the attachment to the building systems        for example.    -   Other fields may be assessed in some cases, such as a building's        energy efficiency or improvement strategies, or personal        energy/carbon footprint or strategies.    -   When a project configuration is displayed, an estimation of the        power production can be displayed (1526), as well possibly as a        financial estimate or a return estimate or payback time        estimate. Financial offers can be provided here too, as well as        financing options. The more information the visitor provides,        the more accurate the model is. Some level of detail of the        projects can be saved, updated or printed. The visitor can set        target price or profitability or monthly payment, or size or        power, etc., for the system to calculate solutions within this        range. When the visitor is ready he can choose to contact the        marketing teams or to schedule a site visit, in which the above        described measurement/reporting can be performed. This process        has been described for a solar system as an example or for        anything else.    -   As described above, once a configuration has been designed, may        be using regular products (1502) or customized products (1503),        the system may know exactly what these products are, how they        are made, what components they include, how they are to be        installed and all the specifications. So, if the information        needed is complete, the fabrication of the chosen products may        be launched as described in FIG. 12 or any other way: the 2D or        3d model of the system may include all the information needed        (Data Component described in FIG. 1A and other figures),    -   The visitor may then decide to order the FMUs and become a        client. He can then perform most of the paperwork online, may be        including payment or financing.    -   Depending if more information is needed, the client can order        online or request a site visit during which other task can be        performed such as 3d measurement, design, customization, site        preparation or other jobs.

Run Automatically

Mass product marketing can be automated using the technologies describedherein: the automated design and assessment described can be utilizedautomatically on targets selected by “Statistics analysis” as describedin other figures or the system can batch process a large neighborhood, acity or multiple opportunities selected by the system or by crewmembersor users. The best opportunities can be selected and entirely assessedand described. In some cases, contact with the potential user can bemade automatically, or the lead can be shared with marketing teams, orthe fabrication can be automatically launched.

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view that illustrates an example ofFMU in a “FMU canopy” embodiment. This description also refers toelements described in FIGS. 1 to 15 or other figures.

“FMU Canopies” are specific embodiments of FMUs. They are self-standingFMUs such as domestic canopies, solar carports, transportable buildingsor other structures of any scale wherein the FMU (1601) includes most ofthe components needed to create the structure and connect it. In somecases, they are Plug & Play devices.

In FIG. 16, an example of “Photovoltaic domestic FMU canopy” embodimentincludes an off-structure built PComp (1602), also referred to as“Canopy top” in the case of “FMU canopies”, mounted on 2 legs or columns(1603, 1604), thus creating either a self-standing solar array, asun-tracking solar array, a roof, a domestic canopy, a domestic sizecarport, a shelter, an outdoor room, a closed room, or other volumes ofany size or function or a mix of functions. In other embodiments, FMUscan be customized or configured as buildings, structures, commercialsize carports, ground mounted solar plants or other embodiments of anysize or function. Several “FMU canopies” can be combined in a largerproject. “FMU canopies” can be fixed, mobile or transportable. “Canopytops” or other “FMU canopy” components can be fixed or mobile and canmove or rotate on 1 or 2 axis in order to track the sun or for any otherpurpose.

In the example of embodiment of FIG. 16, a “Canopy top” (1602) comprisessolar panels (1605) or other finishing material, as well as an optionalWB (1615), “Dressing elements” such as “Front or end dressing elements”(1616) or “Lateral dressing elements” (1617), a “Lower face” (1650) andcould be equipped with a wide range of accessories or features. The“Canopy top” can be waterproof or not, transparent or opaque, have anysize, design, function or feature and be made of various materials, orcustomized. In this example, the panels (1605) and some of the otherelements such as WB or “Dressing elements” are supported by LSCs (1606),which are attached to a “Main pipe” (1608) either directly or usingsupporting brackets (1607). The “Canopy top” can include preinstalledsystems for lifting or for supporting loads such as hooks or grooves andsliders in the LSCs, or loads can in some cases be attached to the“Lower face”, the “Main pipe” or other members. An embodiment of“Transversal beam”, the “Main pipe” (1608) is a beam (in the embodimentof FIG. 16, the “Main pipe” is a tube of circular hollow section, butother designs are possible) or a shaft that spans between the 2 columns(1603, 1604) and provides rigidity to the PComp. The “Main pipe” isfastened to the columns or the supporting structure by “fastening pads”(1611) and “Main fasteners” (1612). The columns can be at the end of the“Main pipe” or the “Main pipe” can overhang beyond the columns. The“Main Pipe” can have any length, diameter, material or function.

“FMU canopies” can be created with 1, 2, 3, 4 or more columns or legs,which can have any design, shape, material, functions, specifications,or in some cases dressing elements. In some embodiments, the “FMUcanopy's” legs are substantially aligned with the axis of the canopy. Insome embodiments the legs or columns are close to the perimeter of thecanopy or have other geometries. In some embodiments, walls or othermembers are used in lieu of columns and in some cases can be folded forshipping: when 4 walls are used, the “FMU canopy” creates a room; thewalls and other components can include any accessories or features suchas doors, windows, technical gear, appliances, devices or functions. Inthe example of FIG. 16, the columns carry optional dressing elements(1618) or shells, which can give them any shape, material of function.

The optional column shells (1618) can be flexible, textile or rigid suchas plastic, metal or wood shells of any size, material or aspect, andthey can include, host or shelter features such as buttons, keyboards,screens or display devices, sound systems, ventilation systems, lightingsystems, technical gear, fixed or mobile curtains or walls, or any otherfeature. In some embodiments, the shells are sealed, waterproof, locked,secured or have opening parts or active components or may includetechnical stuff, utilitarian gear or any other feature behind aprotective shell. In some embodiments, columns (1603, 1604) can beequipped as plant racks, sound system racks, light system racks, or canbe dressed as or turned into inert or living statues, look like humanoidrobots or take any other aspect. “FMU canopies” can also be equippedwith service elements such as fixed or mobile tables (1640), foldabletables (1620), fluids distribution, robotic arms, lateral curtains(1641), end curtains (1642), fixed, mobile, transformable or activefurniture (1691), or other features.

Depending on the project's design and requirements, the columns footingcan be of several types: the columns can be anchored in concretefoundations, or they can comprise a foot plate (1613), which connectsusing bolts or anchor bolts to a concrete or metal foundation (1614) orthe columns can stand directly in the foundation hole before theconcrete is poured or in some cases, the “FMU canopy” does not needunderground foundation and can connect to existing structures. In someembodiments, the “FMU canopy” stands up without foundations, restingeither on larger foot plates (1613) or on wheels or on ballastedsystems, or resting on other footing systems. Some embodiments of canopyor FMUs are mobile or become mobile to facilitate their fabrication,transportation or installation.

When “FMU canopies” or the PComps are entirely or partially constructedoff-structure, the long and expensive labor of installing structures,panels, wires and other features for the system is not done at heightbut in a more convenient place such as on the ground or in a workshopand, in some cases, can be partly or totally automated. In some cases,the “FMU canopy” is constructed off-structure and is transported to itsfinal location partly or completely finished, either in 1 piece or inseveral pieces. In some cases, components such as the supportingcomponents, wiring or other components need to be installed first or tobe constructed locally or on site. In some cases, all or some of thecomponents are delivered as a kit to be mounted on site. Favorably, mostof the components are constructed off-structure, delivered as a kit andonly have to be erected, mounted or connected, which is done in a shorttime. For example, a 16 solar panels embodiment of the “FMU canopy” canhave a PComp entirely built, wired and finished off-structure that is tobe attached to the supporting structure in only 2 or 4 points and to beconnected, in a Plug and Play mode, after only tying a few cables or“Super plugs”.

In some embodiments, the FMU Canopy is delivered complete and finishedwith many or all of its features and accessories. In some cases, itssupporting members, columns (1603, 1604) or walls come folded tofacilitate transportation with the FMU Canopy and only have to beunfolded at the time of installation.

With embodiments wherein “Canopy tops” are rotating or whereincomponents are mobile, drive, control and safety systems may have to beused: “FMU canopies” can undergo high external forces such as wind,seismic or others, which could overwhelm the drive or control systemsand cause the “Canopy top” to rotate abnormally or to generate safetyissues. Therefore several drive and control solutions including electricmotors, hydraulic motors or actuators, braking systems, pin systems,shock absorbers, rotary dampers, or gravity drive systems are describedin other figures. For safety purposes, the rotation angle can bemechanically limited to a certain range so that, if the drive or thecontrol systems fail, the “Canopy top” can't rotate more than allowed.

In the example of embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16, the “Main pipe”(1608) plays a structural role: it supports the LSCs (1606) and keepsthem aligned using brackets. In some cases the “Main pipe” rotates on ahorizontal axis (1609), and is to be fastened to bearings (1610), hingesor joints, which are connected to fastening pads (1611) that arefastened to columns (1603, 1604) or to a supporting structure using“Main fasteners” (1612). In some cases, the rotating part (canopy top)is connected to the fixed supporting parts using industrial componentssuch as car wheel hubs: the columns are attached In lieu of the carschassis and the pipe is attached in lieu of the car's wheel. In somecases, automotive or vehicle brakes and electronics can be used. Anexample of utilization of vehicle components involves using a vehiclebrake rotor and vehicle brake calipers and brake pads. The brake rotoris connected to the Main Pipe or to the rotating part and it rotatesaround the same axis as the moving part of the FMU. In some cases, thebrake rotor can be replaced by another component that brake pads canpress instead of a brake rotor. Some vehicle brake systems use calipersand brake pads that are activated by hydraulic systems and electroniccontrols. Such a system can be used with one or several sets of brakecalipers and brake pads applied pressing one or several brake rotors. Insome cases, vehicle brake systems using electric motors to push thebrake pads are used, the electric motor being computer controlled, asmain brake for the FMU's moving parts. Other vehicle brake system can beused in some cases, such as air brakes as on trucks or trains. Therotation of the “Main pipe” drives or synchronizes the rotation of thewhole “Canopy top”. The “Main pipe” the “Canopy top” or other componentsmay rotate or move or change settings for sun-tracking purposes or forany other purposes. A mechanical blocking system can also beimplemented. It uses pins, connected to a rotating part connected to theMain Pipe or to the moving top and rotating united with it. The 2 pins,or legs of any design, are placed symmetrically on each side of therotation axis. When the FMU parts rotate, the pins rotate too. Theyslide in slotted holes and when the movement reaches the allowedamplitude, the pins hit the slotted hole's limit, or any other blockingpart, and cannot move any further. Thus systems ensures that the FMU'smoving part cannot move beyond the authorized amplitude. Systems can beadded for the pins to be blocked or slowed when they reach the limitpoint so that they do not swing backwards. The opposite design can beused too: the pins are fixed and the slotted hole moves. The slottedhole can be replaced with any part with a design allowing a pin or a legto move up to a pre-determined position.

In some embodiments, the “Main pipe” (1608) is not part of the PComp andis installed first on the columns like an “Attachment component”. In theexample of FIG. 16, the “Main pipe” (1608) comes as a part of theoff-structure built “Canopy top” (1602). In the example of FIG. 16, the“Canopy top”, including the “Main pipe” is to be craned or driven ontothe previously erected columns.

In some embodiments, the “Main pipe” is attached to the columns (1603,1604) before the “FMU canopy” is shipped or lifted to its installationlocation: the columns (1603, 1604), possibly finished with theirdressing elements (1618), wiring and accessories, are attached byhinges, joints, connectors or bearings (1610) to the “Main pipe” (1608)or to the “Canopy top” (1602) and folded under the “Canopy top” in orderto be shipped with it. An embodiment of on-site installation processthus consists in lifting the “Canopy top”, unfolding the columns,possibly stripping the protection material off from the canopy, lockingthe columns in a vertical position and driving the assembly down so thecolumns' feet reach the previously constructed foundations (1614), iffoundations are used, fastening the columns to the foundation andconnecting the wires or the “Super plugs”; an adjustment system may beused in case the preinstalled foundation is not exactly in the rightposition. In some cases, footing elements are also attached to thecolumns before lifting. In some embodiments, the columns are split in 2parts: a lower part is affixed to the ground and the upper par isaffixed to the pipe part of the Canopy Top. This allows for installingthe drive, control and brake systems, as well in some cases as some ofthe electronic and electric systems, lighting systems or other systemsor features in the shop or on the ground prior to installation on site.Then, when the Canopy Top is craned on to the pre-installed lower partof the columns, the attachment essentially consists in fastening the 2parts of the columns to each other. In some cases, a full Plug & Playsystem can be achieved and the Canopy Top comes alive a few minutesafter installation.

Examples of embodiments of FMUs, “FMU canopies”, columns or dressingelements can include any component such as sensors, cameras (1622), 2dor 3d vision systems, infrared or sonar systems or other volume sensors(1625), sensors (1621), such as light sensors, wind sensors, azimuthsensors, hygrometry sensors, location sensors, movement sensors, persondetectors (1632), or other components such as light systems (1627),sound systems, buttons (1628), motors (1631), heating or cooling systems(1629), blowing systems, water systems, gutters, other liquid systems,various kinds of loads, screens (1690), displays, computer systems(1630), radio or communication systems, computer interface devices suchas tablets or screens or command pads (1623), inverters (1624),micro-inverters, storage systems, curtains, awnings (1641), roboticarms, fixed or mobile sculptural, architectural or decoration elements,any type of actuators, electrical panels, control systems, connectionsystems, accessories, devices or other systems. “FMU canopies” can alsoinclude fixed, mobile, active or controllable objects such as tables(1633, 1640), chairs, plants, furniture components, curtains, finishingcomponents or other objects. Some controllable or active elements areactuators. “FMU canopies” can also be customized by adding componentsand changing technical or architectural features. Designers or users canalso add components, for example by attaching objects, plants, devices,furniture, accessories to the columns, the “Canopy top”, to the groundor to other members. In some cases, “FMU canopies” can include aflooring, which can also include active elements, such asheating/cooling, lighting systems, mobile systems, watering systems,plants, devices, technical gear, embedded storage or other features.

Volume, sound, temperature, air flow, hygrometry, views, furnitureaccessories configuration and other parameters can be similarlycontrolled in order for the “FMU canopy” to be able to generate a largerange of different space settings, ambiances and productivity settings.

“FMU canopies”, “Canopy tops”, devices, accessories or features can becontrolled manually or using local or remote control systems or they canbe controlled by local or remote computer systems. In some cases,furniture or other compatible accessories or devices such as robots canbe controlled by the system or can interact with the system.

In some embodiments, “FMU canopies” can also share information, settingsor data with other systems, or exchange or learn from them. In somecases, “FMU canopies” and their systems can also be connected orremotely controlled or updated or they can send information to remotedata bases. In some embodiments, FMUs are connected to the internet orto other networks and can exchange information, with surroundingsystems, with other intelligent systems, with other FMUs or with centralsystems. In some embodiments, the FMU Canopy's computer system is usedas the control system for the home or the building, or it interacts withthe building's management system.

In some cases, FMU Canopies may be implemented using elements describedin FIGS. 11 to 15 or can use the type of information described in FIG.11 et 13, FMU Canopies can be created using elements described in otherfigures such as FIG. 10, 12, and FIGS. 1 to 9.

“FMU canopies” can also, in some embodiments, communicate, synchronizeor interact with other intelligent devices, actuators, robots or systemspresent in the local environment or remote. In some embodiments, the“FMU canopy's” computer system is based on a robot operating system.

“FMU Canopies” can be part of larger systems such as energy systems,technical systems, architectural systems or other systems or can betheir brain or center. They can also coordinate or control otherintelligent or active space systems, technical systems, other devices orsystems, activatable furniture, walls or external objects, or robots.“FMU canopies” can also have robotic members such as robotic arms, orother active members. In some embodiments, the “FMU canopy” can work asa robotic space system. FMU Canopies can have their own computing systemor they can be connected to remote computer systems, or both.

In some embodiments, the computer system can analyze data in real time,either data obtained from external sources or from dialog with othersystems or data collected by analyzing local sensors' data flows (1636)or it can have data analyzed by remote systems, in order to recognizepeople or language or sets of circumstances called “Situations”.

In some embodiments, “FMU canopies” are able to tune up themselves: forexample analyze their location, or their orientation, or some specificsof the environment, determine automatically the position of the sun orother parameters and adjust the programs that control the “Canopy top's”or the solar sensors' rotation and angle or other features. In someembodiments, FMUs are able to measure the wind speed or to getinformation from external sources in order to trigger safety systems. Insome cases, FMUs or “FMU canopies” can select the best parameters foreach actuator based on information they have been given or on their ownanalysis of the “Situation”.

In some embodiments, “FMU canopies” can be used to generate indoor oroutdoor spaces. A “Solar sun-tracking domestic FMU canopy” can forexample be installed in a home's yard and create an outdoor room like anoutdoor dining room or covered patio. A “canopy top” can be seen as theroof or the ceiling of a space, and in some embodiments it can move orrotate: the “canopy top” can move in any direction or rotate on ahorizontal axis (1609) or in several axis in order to better track thesun or for any other reason such as providing shading, protecting orbenefitting from the rain or the wind, operating its sensors oractuators, opening or closing some views, perspectives or viewpoints,changing the aspect or technical settings of the canopy, commutating,improving the energy efficiency, changing the volumes and the spacecharacteristics or the space feeling for the users, interacting withlocal or distant users or other players or “Situations”.

“FMU canopies” (1601) can also include walls, partitions, awnings,shades (1641), flexible or rigid curtains or panels (1626) or othertypes of fixed or mobile components. For example mobile walls orcurtains (1642) can slide or fold in and out of columns shells (1618),awnings or curtains (1641) can roll in and out the “Canopy top” (1602),thus creating screens or walls that can take many configurations andchange the space definition. This allows for example to switch easilyfrom a closed volume defined by a horizontal ceiling, peripheralcurtains or walls, specific light, sound and heating settings to alimitless outdoor open space with a sloped ceiling opening views to thesky and natural light and temperature. The qualities of this space, suchas for example volume (height, horizontal limits, vertical limits,shape, views, transparency, meaning, and other parameters), light(color, intensity, direction, blinking, or other settings), air(temperature, wind, hygrometry, and other parameters), sound or otherparameters, are defined by the setting of each component. These settingscan be preset when the “FMU canopy” is designed, or in some cases theycan also be changed, tuned or controlled afterwards or in real time thuschanging some of the parameters that define this space. In other words,“FMU canopies” have in some cases the ability to modify the aspect,feel, meaning, functionalities, efficiency or features of a space bychanging parameters also called “Space settings”. “Space settings” canbe controlled manually or intelligently.

In some embodiments, “Space settings” can be created by the designer ofby the user in order to provide pre-determined “Template settings” orambiances for specific cases: for example, a designer can define a“Breakfast space setting”, which describes the “FMU canopy's” expectedspace configuration or behavior for “1 person eating outdoor in themorning” with for example predetermined temperature, volume settings(position of the roof, degree of opening of the curtains or shades,location of plants or furniture), sound settings, light settings (forexample by setting the color, intensity or direction of every availablelight), temperature settings, etc., as well as predefined styles of realtime interactions; a user can personalize or refine this “templatesetting” and create a “User 1's breakfast Space setting” variation orcreate a new one by specifying other values to some parameters. Allthese parameters can be controlled manually or by a computer system,which can record the selected “Space settings”, their variations or thecircumstances of these variations.

In some cases, the user can declare himself or declare “Situations”(such as breakfast for User 1, barbecue party in a sunny afternoon,dinner party at night, kids doing homework, maximum solar outputefficiency or any other) that the computer system can remember in orderto recreate at will the specific “Space settings” for these“Situations”. Then, when for example the “Breakfast” “Situation” happensagain, User 1 (1634) can use local or remote control systems or directinteraction such as voice control to call back its personalized settingand the computer system will restore the recorded actuatorsconfiguration, possibly with some adjustments due to external changessuch as the weather or others.

In some embodiments, the computer system is able to analyze facts andrecognize “Situations” and to restore automatically the corresponding“Space setting”. For example, when the computer system, using itssensors, detects or recognizes that User 1 (1634) is arriving in the“FMU canopy” environment on a Sunday morning with food (1635) on thetable (1633), the computer system can assume this is a “User 1Breakfast” “Situation” and recreate the corresponding “Space settings”.The human or the technical reaction (for example: no reaction=approval,the user modifies the settings=update the recorded “Space settings” orunderstand why the user needed a change, the user changes the parametersto another preset setting=error in “Situation” recognition, etc.)teaches the computer system if it is right or not or what is wrong, andthe computer system will learn from the experience. The computer systemcan also learn how to improve the “Space settings” by analyzing theuser's reactions. In some cases, the users can manually change somesettings (for example open a curtain), save the new setting or not, oran external player can have an action (for example the wind can open acurtain), which changes the space's configuration. In some embodiments,the computer system can recognize these changes and interact with themor learn from them.

In some embodiments, the computer system can learn from experience andrecognize that in a given “Situation” a given user prefers a given“Space setting” and recreate the settings automatically when theuser/“Situation” combination occurs again. The computer system can alsowork based on “Template settings” or on user created “Space settings”,but it can also create its own “Space settings”, test and assess them.

In some embodiments, the computer system can recognize if the space orthe technical functions are being used and modify the settingsconsequently, for example by switching off all the comfort settings whennobody is using the space and focusing on energy production efficiencyor safety settings. For example, the computer system can switch offenergy consuming devices such as lights, sounds or heaters or storefragile components such as curtains, or set the “Canopy top” to a safeangle or set it to an optimized angle for solar output, or take otheractions. The system can also, for example, arbitrate between differingorders or possibilities, for example use a user preferred “Spacesetting” although the energy efficiency program request another setting.

In some embodiments, the computer system can interact with the users,recognize natural language, orally or in writing, receive orders frompeople or talk with people as freely as possible. In some embodimentsthe computer system can learn from the users' interactions and propose“Space setting” modifications or test new “Space settings” and analyzetheir effects. For example, the computer system can test a “Spacesetting” different from the “Space setting” the user or the “Situation’would normally have triggered, see if the users accept the new “Spacesetting” or if they change it manually. The computer system can thenlearn from their reactions and refine its models and patterns ofinteractions.

In some embodiments, the computer system is able to recognize people(1634) by their silhouette, or their face, their gesture or their voiceor other parameters, and to automatically adapt to their presence. Insome embodiments, the system recognizes people by their phone or otherdevices, or people have declared themselves to the system. When it hasrecognized User 1 (1634), the computer system can pull its preferredparameters. If the computer system has also recognized a “Situation” X,it can pull “User 1” “Situation X” “Space setting. If it someone else,it can pull other previously learnt or preset parameters and implementor test them or start learning a new person. When several people arepresent, new settings or combined settings can be used.

In some embodiments, the system is able to read people's feelings, forexample by analyzing their facial expression, their gestures, theirvoice or their words or using other techniques, and to understand howthey feel or how they react to the implemented setting. This allows thecomputer system to evaluate the settings it has implemented and toimprove them.

After several iterations, the computer system may, in some cases, beable to learn from experience until it is able to understand what makessense and what needs to be done in every circumstance. In someembodiments, the computer system is able to react to the users' moods orto “Situations” by proposing disruptive “Space settings”, for example bychanging space parameters to change people's moods or give them ideas orwake them up, or to interact and dialog with people.

In some embodiments, the computer system can be connected to othermachines via a network so they share experience and learn better byworking of larger volumes of data. The computer system can be upgradeddirectly or remotely, for example with new versions of operatingsystems, new applications, new connections, new data bases, new featuresor abilities, etc. Some of the calculations can be performed onsite bythe machine but in some cases the calculations are performed in acentralized location, for example in order to have more computing poweror larger data bases. A large artificial intelligence based on multiple“FMU canopies” or other compatible systems sharing some information canthus be built as well as large data bases, which allows improving theprograms. A network of FMU Canopies can also act together or jointly,although distant, and provide sets of users with coordinatedexperiences.

In some embodiments, the computer system can connect to a building anduse its knowledge to manage the settings of the buildings. For example a“FMU canopy” installed in home's yard will learn about the users, thecircumstances and the location, and can then start running or testingconfigurations elsewhere in the house. Same is true for an officebuilding, a store, or other types of spaces.

The knowledge, technologies and space control experience developed for“FMU canopies” can, in some cases, be used for other fields such asintelligent or parametric buildings, architectural design, computerdesign, robot interactions, robot design or other applications.

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view that illustrates severalexamples of FMUs in “FMU Carport Canopy” embodiments. FIG. 17 alsorefers to elements described in FIGS. 1 to 16 or in other figures. Insome cases, FMU Carport Canopies can be implemented, designed, builtusing elements described in FIG. 1-16, in FIG. 18-19.

“FMU Carport Canopies” are special embodiments of “FMU Canopies” thatcan be used for large applications such as carports, solar carports,ground mounted solar arrays, roof top projects, or other largestructures.

“FMU Carport Canopy”, also referred to as FMU-CC can be designed in anysize, design or function. FMU-CCs can be used unit per unit or severalFMU-CCs can be grouped in order to create larger applications.

FMU-CCs use an embodiment of “Canopy top” and PComp referred to as“Canopy top carport” (CTC). Since the FMU-CC embodiment is often used tocreate large structures, such as large solar arrays, several FMUs may begrouped to form large structures that, in some cases, share supportingstructures or pipes.

As FMU-CCs can be made in various sizes or structural systems, 2embodiments are illustrated in FIG. 17: 2 CTC are illustrated. A projectwould use either a CTC like 1701 or a CTC like 1702, but not superposethem on top of each other.

FMU-CCs can be fixed or have sun-tracking CTCs that rotate on a sensiblyhorizontal axis (1703), in order to track the sun or for any otherpurpose.

In the example of FMU-CC embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17, CTCs aresupported by “Main pipes” (1704) that can be beams of any shape designor material. In the example of FIG. 17, the “Main pipe” is a hollowcircular beam. FMU-CC's “Main pipes” are supported by aligned columns(1705) or other types of supporting structures. FMU-CCs can be used insome cases to create long lanes of roofs or solar arrays that aresupported by several columns or supporting structures installed on aline. FMU-CCs allow for installing large CTCs above the ground with veryfew points supporting points on the ground.

In some cases, CTCs are not supported by the Main Pipe (1704) but by thecolumns (1705). These CTCs may be larger than the distance betweencolumns and overhang beyond the columns. If they are rotating, they areaffixed to the column using any kind of articulated mechanism such ashinges, bearings, wheel hubs or simple frictional systems, which connectthe Transversal Beam (1715, 1708) or the rail (1706) to the column or toanother structure. In some cases, a pipe, a beam or any other type ofconnector spans between 2 CTC/column connection points, or between 2Transversal Beams in order to keep both sides of the CTC parallel androtating in a synchronized manner.

FMU-CC can be built in place or they can use off-structure constructedcomponents: FMUs, CTCs, “Main Pipes”, columns, and other components are,in some cases, be constructed off-structure, either on the site orelsewhere, and installed on site. In some cases, CTCs are constructedseparately and fastened to pre-installed “Main pipes” (1704). In somecases, the “Main Pipes” (1714) are attached to the CTC (1701, 1702),which is to be fastened to pre-installed columns. In some cases, CTC,“Main pipe” and columns are constructed off-site together and attachedas a unit so they only have to be affixed to their footings on theground. In some cases, the components are not constructed off-structureand are assembled on their final location.

In some cases, like for the FMU Canopy of FIG. 16, the columns are splitin 2 parts, in order to have 1 part pre-attached to the CTC so that theCTC to column connection can be made prior to the installation. The 2parts of the column only have to be reconnected at the time ofinstallation.

In some examples of FMU-CC embodiments, the “Main pipe” can be designedin 2 ways: there is either 1 “Main pipe” per CTC, or the “Main pipe's”dimension is independent from the CTC's dimension

If there is 1 “Main pipe” per CTC, the “Main pipe” is supported by atleast 2 columns or supporting structures, which are either at the tipsof the “Main pipe”, or not. The “Main pipe” may overhang beyond thecolumns such that the columns can be anywhere along the “Main pipe”,which allows for having a column spacing different from the size of the“Main pipe” or of the CTC. This embodiment of FMU-CC createsself-standing units comprising at least 2 columns, 1 CTC and a pipe. Inthis case, the “Main pipe” is often part of the CTC that is to be cranedto the top of the columns. These self-standing FMU-CC embodiments can beindependent or installed in lanes or rows of FMU-CCs that can, in somecases, be connected. For example, their “Main pipes” may be connected inorder to provide better stability or to transmit rotational drive orrotational control.

When the “Main pipe” is not part of the CTC, it is installed first on alane of columns or of supporting structures in order to provide a longsupporting line on which CTC can be installed anywhere on the “Mainpipe”. The long “Main pipe” embodiment renders the CTC's design andsizing independent from the column spacing and the ground levelconstraints.

In embodiments where the “Main pipe” is rotating, the “Main pipe” drivesthe CTC to rotate too and controls them.

Like with any other “Canopy tops”, “FMU Canopies”, PComps or FMUs, CTCs(1701, 1702) can include any kind of accessories (1712), features,dressing elements, WB (1713), sensors (1711), and can have any aspect,function, design, size or feature. CTCs can be assembled on site orconstructed off structure and arrive on site finished, wired or testedso they only have to be fastened to a supporting structure by a few“Main fasteners” and connected to networks by a few cables (1750) or“Super plugs”.

CTC (1702) is an embodiment wherein panels (1707) are attached to LSCs(1706) that are substantially perpendicular to the “Main pipe's” axis.The LSCs are attached to TBs (1708) that are to be either directlyfastened to the “Main pipe” (1704 or 1714) or fastened to brackets(1710) attached to the “Main pipe's” brackets or to intermediate beams(1709) that are fastened to the “Main pipe” or to the brackets (1710).In this example, TBs are wide flange beams or can have any other design.

CTC (1701) is an embodiment wherein panels (1707) are attached to LSCs(1706) that are substantially parallel to the “Main pipe's” axis. TheLSCs are attached to TBs (1715) that are to be either directly fastenedto the “Main pipe” (1704 or 1714) or fastened to brackets (1710)attached to the “Main pipe”.

When the “Main pipe” (1714) is part of the PComp and comes with it, itis to be attached to the columns (1705) and installing the CTC consistsessentially in fastening the “Main pipe” (1714) to the top of thecolumns with a few “Main fasteners” and to connect the wires (1750).

CTCs can be fixed and immobile. CTCs can also be mobile or rotating.

CTCs (1701, 1702) can be fixed. In the example of FIG. 17, the CTCsrotate on a horizontal axis (1703) in order to track the sun andoptimize the energy collection. Similar systems can also be used forother purposes, such as systems that enable a CTC to move for any reasonand in any way or non-solar systems. A series of at least two alignedcolumns (1705) support a longitudinal “Main pipe” (1704 or 1714) thatcan rotate on an axis (1703) parallel to its greater length. This “Mainpipe” is connected to the columns by bearings (1717), ring bearings(1716) circling the “Main pipe”, industrial systems such as vehiclewheel hubs, or other systems enabling to hold the pipe and to let itrotate, sometimes in a controlled manner. The bearings (1716, 1717), orother connectors, are attached on top of the columns. Drive systems,blocking systems or safety systems can be added as described in otherfigures. The “Main pipe” (1704) can be very long and be made of severalcomponents connected together. The “Main pipe's” rotation allows the CTCto rotate united to the “Main pipe”. The rotation can be motorized ornot. When the “Main pipe” is made of several pipes connected together,the torque may be transmitted from a pipe to another, so it suffices todrive any part of the pipe to rotate the whole system, even very longarrays made of several components united by the same pipe. In somecases, “Main pipes” are independent and CTCs are powered and controlledindividually. Spacing between the columns (1705), height of the columns,size of the CTC, type of drive and angle of rotation may vary dependingon the project. FMU-CCs can be made in several ways depending on theconfiguration. In some cases, the “Main pipe” is a beam that holds loadssuch as weight or wind instead of torque, or that holds loads and torquealtogether. In some cases, there is no Main Pipe and the CTC issupported and the CTC is supported by 2 or more columns and drive andcontrol systems ensure a coordinated movement of the CTC at each columnconnection point in order to reduce the risk of deformation of the CTC.

CTC (1701, 1702) can be mounted on location or constructedoff-structure. If it is mounted on site, the supporting columns (1705)and the “Main pipe” (1704) are erected first. Then, the rails,Longitudinal Supporting Components (1706), beam or other structures areattached to it and then the panels (1707) or any other top layers areattached to this supporting structure.

CTCs (1701, 1702) can also be constructed off-structure, possibly usingsome of the techniques described in other figures, as an embodiment ofFMU. Off-structure construction allows for preparing FMUs beforemounting them, which allows for better quality, lower price, fasterexecution and reduced risk. CTCs can be constructed off-structure andlifted onto the supporting structure. This way, most of the labor (suchas preparing, adjusting, attaching, connecting, wiring, inverters,grounding, painting, finishing parts and accessories, verifying, etc.)is not done at height on top of the supporting structure or on scissorlifts but it is done elsewhere in better conditions, and can involvehigh levels of automation or robotization. Attaching the CTC is theneasy and quick. In some cases, the CTC can include both the PComp andthe “Main pipe” (1714) with its bearing and fastening pads; they can beconnected together and then moved to the final destination on top of thesupporting columns. In this case, installing the CTC onsite consistsessentially in connecting the CTC to the column, which can be very quickand easy. In some cases in which the size of the CTCs does not match thedistance between columns and there is a continuous Main Pipe asillustrated in FIG. 17, the CTCs can be installed on several segments ofthe “Main pipe” regardless of the columns' position. This way, thesizing of the CTC and the columns' spacing are independent, which allowsfor greater design liberty and better cost reduction. In some cases,each CTC is attached to the supporting structure by only a few“Fastening pads”: for example when each end of the CTC is to be attachedto each side of a bracket (1710), which means there are, for example, 4“Fastening pads”. CTCs can be fastened to each “Fastening pads” bywelding or screwing one or several “Main fasteners”.

In some cases, the CTC comes pre-mounted with its drive system or itscontrol system, and the CTC only needs to be connected to its 2 or moresupporting columns.

An example of efficient use of FMU-CCs is as follows, although manyother embodiments are possible: A large scale commercial carport is tobe built on an existing parking lot. Columns are installed on centralparking lines with a regular 27 feet spacing and electrical connectionsare prepared. CTCs in this example are designed as 90 panels (25 KWp)units with one inverter. CTCs are constructed off-structure, forexample, in a local shop or in a tent or anywhere a fixed or mobile offstructure construction bench is installed. Most tasks are performed onthe bench, such as preparing, attaching solar panels, connecting,wiring, grounding, adjusting, installing inverters if they come with theCTC (not always the case), “Dressing elements” (1751) and accessories,finishing, testing, etc. In some cases, most of the construction taskscan be automated as described in other figures, which makes the processmuch faster. “Main pipes”, if any, are attached to the CTC, as well asdrive systems and safety systems. The CTCs are transported to theirfinal destination and craned on top of the columns. The “Main pipe's” orthe CTC connectors' bearings carry “fastening pads” that have to beattached on top of the columns. In some cases, 6 or 8 bolts per columnare sufficient to fasten securely the CTC to the columns and they can befastened in a few minutes. Electrical connections are done by connectingonly a few wires. The onsite installation took only a few minutesinstead of hours or days with traditional processes. If the CTC has beenconstructed off structure with automated process, the total cost oflabor is much lower than with traditional processes. The drive andsafety systems are attached in a few minutes and they allow for suntracking, which increases the solar system's output. Favorably, thesun-tracking solar carport starts working shortly.

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view that illustrates 3 examples ofdrive, control or safety systems for a rotating canopy top. FIG. 18refers to elements described in FIGS. 1 to 19 and particularly FIG. 16and FIG. 17.

Not all of these systems are to be used in the same time. This figureIllustrates a range of solutions.

Rotating a mobile object such as a roof or a solar array or any kind ofobject requires both to generate the movement and to control it. Incases such as a canopy, a domestic canopy, a carport or a roof, a “FMUCanopy”, a FMU-CC, or other FMU embodiments, a “Canopy top”, alsoreferred to as rotating object (RO), be they solar or not, the rotationis often expected to be very slow or to require extreme force. Thesolutions described can in some cases be used for any system or for allthe FMU embodiments described in the figures. And for other systems.

It also often needs to be controlled: if the RO is subject to externalforces such as wind or seismic, these external forces may result inmoving the object beyond its owner's desire. For example the wind couldsubmit a carport's roof to extreme loads and cause it to move inuncontrolled manner. Therefore, for some cases of embodiment, a strongand permanent blocking system may be needed in addition to the rotationcontrol system.

It is necessary to make sure the object is being controlled all thetime, when it is moving and when it is not. The drive and control can beobtained by mechanical means such as fixed blocking systems, rotationcontrol systems, or with a gravity drive system. These systems can becombined.

A computer system controls the drive system and in some cases theblocking systems or the brake systems. The computer system uses programsthat give the expected status of the mobile components or the RO at eachtime and uses sensors to get information about the current status of theRO, the mobile components or the system's components. In the case of aRO, the current angle can be determined by sensors such as tilt sensors,accelerometers, or other sensors.

Gravity Drive Systems:

When the RO (1802) is mounted on low friction systems such as bearings(1801), very little effort is needed to cause the RO (1802) to rotate afew degrees. The RO is rotating on a central axis (1803) and isnaturally balanced if it has equal weight on each side of the rotationaxis.

Gravity drive is based on the idea that changing this balance will causethe RO to tilt in the direction of greater load. In some cases, a heavyobject (1804) attached to the rotating canopy and moving along an axissubstantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation (1803), for examplea mass moving along the TB (1805) or another perpendicular to a “Mainpipe” (1806) or to the axis of rotation, will cause the RO to tilt.Moving the heavy object this way will cause the RO to tilt backwards.Setting the exact angle the RO tilts is done by setting the location ofthe mobile heavy object (1804).

Therefore getting the RO to rotate is very simple: a mass has to betransferred from side to side or to any location along the transversalpath. This can be done using a liquid flowing from side to side in asystem of reservoirs or it can be done with a heavy object moving fromside to side. An example involves using one or several blocks of heavymaterial such as metal that rolls on a rail, for example suspended to aTB, from one side to another. Another example involves using 2 lateralreservoirs (1850), one on each side of the axis of rotation (1803) andplaced at any distance from the axis, and a pump system that allows tomove a liquid from a reservoir to the other or from a common reservoirto each lateral reservoir. One or more hose system connects the 2reservoirs or the lateral reservoirs and the common reservoir. One ormore valves can be used to open or close the one or more hose. Theliquid can be any liquid including water, possibly with additives. Acomputer system controls the liquid movement system, the pumps and thevalves, or the heavy object movement system based on the tiltinformation provided by sensors and the expected angle provided by aprogram, as well in some cases as sensors giving information about thestatus of the moving element such as liquid sensors giving the level ofliquid in the reservoirs or position sensors giving the position of themoving heavy object.

In order to prevent the RO to move unexpectedly under external forcessuch as the wind or seismic forces, a damper system can be added, suchas shock absorbers, rotary dampers (1809), frictions system, brakesystem or other systems. Rotation and control can also be achieved usinghydraulic or electric actuators. Brake systems are also described inother figures.

In some cases, the RO is requested to come back naturally to a neutralposition, such as a horizontal position. In this case, a spring systemis added: the balance point of the spring system is the horizontalposition and even if the movement is slowed by a damper system, the ROwill in the end come back to horizontal. An embodiment of this system isusing a torsion bar that is on one side attached to a fixed structuresuch as column (1811) and on the other side to the RO: for example, atorsion bar (1810) is inserted in the “Main pipe” (1806) and attached toit. A torsion bar can also be attached to any of the moving parts. Whena force causes the RO to tilt, the torsion bar twists and pushes backthe RO back to horizontal or to its balance position.

The components and loads can be calculated so they balance each other.For example, if a wind load torque is expected to be applied to the ROand to rotate the RO, a torsion bar or a spring system, or any type ofbackward force, can be calculated to match this maximum force. When thewind torque is applied, the spring system (1810) cancels it out andmakes the RO is stable. When the wind torque decreases, the RO is pushedback to horizontal. An exceptionally strong wind gust would onlyincrease the torque and cause the RO to rotate slightly more for a time;it would then come back. All the movements can be slowed by a damper(1809) system of corresponding power. Then, the mobile mass or heavyobject (1804) only has to be sized to it creates a gravity forceslightly superior to the backward force of the spring. In case of strongwind or other external force, the RO will slowly oscillate, slowed bythe damper system, and come back to the expected position, which isdictated by the position of the moving weight. If the mobile mass iscentered, the RO will come back to a horizontal position. If the mobilemass is positioned to cause the RO to tilt a certain angle, the RO willcome back to this tilt angle after the wind gust is over. A mechanicalblocking system can be added.

Drive and Control Systems

-   -   Mechanical systems:    -   Two levels of mechanical rotational control are described:        -   A fixed blocking system        -   A rotation control system

Drive systems that can be combined with the blocking systems or therotation control systems are described too. Drive systems, blockingsystems and controls systems can be used separately or they can becombined depending on specific applications. For example, dampingsystems can be used alone or combined with brake systems or controlsystems or with any drive system.

Fixed Blocking System:

The fixed blocking system can be used in any case that requires therotation to be completely blocked mechanically for example in case ofexpected strong loads such as wind, snow, displacement or other externalforces or in case the primary control systems such as the rotationcontrol system described below or other systems are disabled for anyreason, for example for maintenance. When the blocking system is out oforder, or when it needs to be removed for example for maintenance, theRO is no longer secured and an additional system is needed.

This RO is built so it can rotate on a horizontal axis or any otheraxis. It rotates either manually or motorized. This “Main pipe” isequipped with a system that allows to block it in a given rotation anglewhenever it is needed. In some embodiments, an inner gear (1811) isunited to it. A complementary system is designed to block the rotationof the inner gear. The system is made of an outer gear (1812)complementary to the inner gear. The outer gear can be lifted using ascrew or any other system that pushes the outer gear, attached to itssupporting plate (1813), so its slider (1814) slides in a guiding system(1815) until it connects to the inner gear and blocks it so it cannotrotate. The rotational torque is then transmitted from the mobile objectsuch as a pipe to the inner gear and to the outer gear and to theguiding system and to a fixed support. This guiding system is favorablyattached to a fixed support such as a column or any other strong stablemember.

This system can be used for any case, including when a drive system ismissing for any reason.

The RO can also be blocked in any position by a system where a simplepin locks a hole connected to the pipe. Mechanical blocking elements,such as bumper, are also installed to make that, whatever happens, theRO will not rotate more than a pre-determined angle.

Rotation Control Systems:

Rotation control is achieved by any of the three following solutions, orany combination of them:

-   -   systems including drive and brake systems    -   gear systems using worm    -   mechanical blocking systems

Drive and Brakes:

For cases of application wherein the motion is provided by an electricmotor (1816) or by gravity, the system may be free to move withoutcontrol when the motor is not running. Brake systems can be added eitherat the drive level or anywhere on the mobile object in order to controlthe rotation or to block it during non-rotation times. If the expectedforces are greater than the brake's capacity, another blocking systemmay be needed such as the fixed blocking system described above.

In some cases, a mechanical drive system uses an electric motor torotate the “Main pipe” or the RO and can use gear systems to reduce thespeed and the torque. However, if the canopy is turning very slowly,such as when it is used to track the sun, it may be running only fromtime to time and be idle the rest of the time, which means the RO'smovements are not always under proper control.

In some cases, automotive or vehicle brakes and electronics can be used.An example of utilization of vehicle components involves using a vehiclebrake rotor (1851) and vehicle brake calipers (1853) and brake pads(1852). The brake rotor is connected to the Main Pipe or to the RO andit rotates around the same axis as the moving part of the FMU. In somecases, the brake rotor can be replaced with another component that brakepads can press instead of a brake rotor. Some vehicle brake systems usecalipers and brake pads that are activated by hydraulic systems andelectronic controls. Such a system can be used with one or several setsof brake calipers and brake pads applied pressing one or several brakerotors. In some cases, vehicle brake systems using electric motors topush the brake pads are used, the electric motor being computercontrolled, as main brake for the FMU's moving parts. Other vehiclebrake system can be used in some cases, such as air brakes as on trucksor trains.

Gear Systems Using Worms:

An example of embodiment is described wherein a worm system is used as adrive. Two kinds of worm systems can be used:

-   -   One way worms: driving the worm results in rotating the object,        but the worm system does not allow an external force such as the        wind to rotate the mobile object. The object moves only when the        drive rotates the worm. When the worm is idle, the object does        not move even if an external load is applied to it. So, the worm        is used both as a drive system and as a brake system and it        gives good control over the rotational movement.    -   Two way worms: in other embodiments, the worm system is designed        so it does not prevent an external force from driving the worm.        An external force can move the mobile object and no rotation        control or a limited rotation control is provided par the worm        system.    -   In both cases, a mechanical blocking system may be needed in        some cases of application:    -   When the worm is designed to prevent the object from rotating,        the loads applied to the object may exceed the gears' strength        and damage them; in such cases a safer control or blocking        system may be needed.    -   When the worm is designed to let the object rotate, a mechanical        blocking system may be needed.

Blocking Systems:

The rotation can be controlled using braking systems. The rotation canalso be controlled using worm gear systems which can be designed torotate only when the motor drives it but not, or very little, when “Mainpipe” is subject to external forces. However, the forces could in somecases, exceed the worm system's strength and brake it. In this case, amechanical blocking system can be used.

Several types of mechanical blocking systems, based on a pin driven in ahole in the “Main pipe” or in a wheel united to the “Main pipe” and thatblocks the “Main pipe's” rotation, can be used:

-   -   Exceptional single pin system that is triggered manually when        the loads are expected to be high such as in the case of a wind        alert,    -   Permanent single pin that locks the “Main pipe” every time it is        not supposed to be rotating and liberates it only when the motor        is supposed to run,    -   Permanent double pin wherein 2 pins alternatively block 1 or 2        wheels with a degree of allowed rotation so the canopy is always        under control.

A double pin permanent blocking system is illustrated in FIG. 18 andwith more details in other figures.

2 wheels, a “Main wheel” (1817) and a “Safety wheel” (1818) are unitedto the “Main pipe” (1806). These wheels have holes (1819, 1823) for pinsto go through. A “Sliding pin” (1820) and an “Articulated pin” (1821)are attached by a hinge (1822). The “Sliding pin” can only slidelongitudinally and locks the “Main wheel” (1817) most of the time so theRO is locked. When the RO needs to rotate, the “Sliding pin” slides outof the “Main wheel's” hole (1819) and liberates the wheel and the RO.When coming out of the “Main wheel's” hole, the “Sliding pin” pushed the“Articulated pin” into a hole (1823) in the “Safety wheel” (1818). The“Articulated pin” (1821) is hinged and has room for rotating a fewdegrees before it blocks the “Safety wheel”. When the maximum allowedrotation (1824) has occurred, the “Sliding pin” slides back into a hole(1819) in the “Main wheel” (1817) (the wheels have turned and anotherhole is now aligned with pin), thus drawing the “Articulated pin” out ofthe “Safety wheel's” hole.

The RO is allowed to rotate a predefined angle, but remains undercontrol at all times.

In some cases, a mechanical blocking system can also be implemented. Ituses pins, connected to a rotating part connected to the Main Pipe or tothe moving top and rotating united with it. The 2 pins, or legs of anydesign, are placed symmetrically on each side of the rotation axis. Whenthe FMU parts rotate, the pins rotate too. They slide in slotted holesand when the movement reaches the allowed amplitude, the pins hit theslotted hole's limit, or any other blocking part, and cannot move anyfurther. Thus systems ensures that the FMU's moving part cannot movebeyond the authorized amplitude. Systems can be added for the pins to beblocked or slowed when they reach the limit point so that they do notswing backwards. The opposite design can be used too: the pins are fixedand the slotted hole moves. The slotted hole can be replaced with anypart with a design allowing a pin or a leg to move up to apre-determined position.

FIGS. 19A-19C include 3 top section views illustrating an example ofdouble pin blocking system as described in other figures. 3 steps (1951,1952, 1953) of the blocking process are illustrated side by side. FIGS.19A-19C also refer to elements described in other figures, andparticularly in FIG. 16-18.

In FIGS. 19A-19C, the rotating system is active and secured as follows:

Step 1 (1951) is illustrated in FIG. 19A. A sliding pin (1901) blocksthe “Main wheel” (1902) by going through a hole (1903) in this wheel.The pin slides between guides (1904, 1905) on each side of the wheel(1902). It can only slide longitudinally but it cannot movetransversally due to the guides. As it goes through the wheel and cannotmove the same direction as the wheel, it is able to prevent the wheelfrom rotating, thus blocking the rotating members the wheels areconnected to such as the safety wheel (1906) and the “Main pipe”. Thearticulated pin (1907) is attached to the sliding pin (1901) by a hinge(1908) so when the pin (1901) slides longitudinally the articulated pin(1907) moves too. In Step 1 position, the main wheel (1902) is blockedand the articulated pin (1907) is not necessarily engaged in any wheel.

Step 2 (1952) is illustrated in FIG. 19B: the main wheel (1902) is aboutto start rotating but it has to be unlocked before it can rotate. Thesliding pin (1901) and the articulated pin (1907) slide longitudinallybetween the guides (1905) so the sliding pin (1901) is drawn out of themain wheel's (1902) hole (1903) and the articulated pin (1907) goesthrough the safety wheel's (1906) hole (1909). Since the sliding pin(1901) no longer blocks it, the main wheel (1902) is now free to rotate.The safety wheel's hole (1909) is now crossed by the articulated pin butis not blocked either because the articulated pin is able to pivot onhis hinge (1908) in order to allow some lateral movement. The wheels arenow able to rotate a few degrees.

Step 3 (1953) is illustrated in FIG. 19C: the wheels (1902, 1906) haverotated a few degrees and have drawn the outer end of the articulatedpin (1907) a few degrees laterally. The articulated pin could not slidelaterally since it is articulated to the sliding pin (1901), which isblocked laterally by the guides (1905), but it can pivot using its hinge(1908) as an axis. Its inner end is attached to the sliding pin by ahinge so the inner end can only move longitudinally (sensibly parallelto the wheel's axis of rotation) and it cannot move transversally(sensibly perpendicular to the wheel's axis of rotation). The outer endof the pin (1907) can move any direction. So, the articulated pin (1907)can have a pivotal movement: it can angle around its articulation so itsouter end follows the wheel when the wheel rotates.

The articulated pin's (1907) rotation is limited to a predeterminedangle by at least one of two ways:

-   -   the guides (1905, 1910) set a limit to the articulated pin's        (1907) rotation amplitude;    -   the articulated pin (1907) goes through one of the safety        wheel's holes and both the articulated pin and the hole (1909)        have a special shape which allows the articulated pin to go        through the hole only up to a predefined maximum angle. When        this angle is reached, the articulated pin is mechanically        blocked in the hole due to angle and geometrical design, and it        blocks the wheel (1906).

When the safety wheel (1906) is blocked, it also blocks all the elementsit is united to such as the main wheel (1902), the gears, the pipe, theRO and all other united components.

This Mechanical Blocking System allows the wheels to rotate a certainangle but prevents them from going any further. This limitation systemcan be used whether the wheel rotates clockwise or anticlockwise. Insome cases, like in this example of embodiment, the articulated pin'sangle is also limited by the guides (1905, 1910). The system is to bedesigned so the wheel is only allowed to rotate a certain number ofdegrees and no more. The designer can set his own geometrical parameterssuch as the design of the articulated pin and of the holes, the designof the hinge and the sliding pin, the design of the supporting surfaceand the guides in order to obtain various patterns of control andaccomplish the goals of a particular project. So the holes or otherelements can vary in order to provide different reactions depending onthe angle or other parameters.

Another problem needs to be solved: the angled articulated pin is ableto limit the wheel's maximum rotation angle but this does not preventthe wheel from rotating backwards. As a consequence the wheels are notcompletely locked. To solve this problem, an anti-backing system (1911)is added. A pad (1911) can only move longitudinally. It is permanentlypushed towards the wheel (1906). In step 1, the pad is close to thewheel. In step 2, the articulated pin pushed the pad (1911) back. Whenthe articulated pin (1907) rotates, it gives room for the pad to comeback close to the wheel. The pad now prevent the articulated pin fromcoming back to a smaller angle, thus blocking the wheel and making sureit cannot turn backwards.

1. A solar panel system, comprising: a base having a base attachmentcomponent, a base support component and a base shape, the baseattachment component configured to be attached to a building structureat a geographic location on the earth; a rotating crown having a crownsupport component, a crown attachment component, a rotating mechanismand a crown shape, the base support component configured to support thecrown support component; a solar panel system having a solar panelattachment component and a solar panel system shape, the solar panelattachment component configured to be attached to the crown attachmentcomponent, the solar panel system having an exposed solar panel surface,the base shape, the crown shape and the solar panel system shapeconfigured to position the exposed solar panel surface in a slopedorientation relative to a horizontal plane of the earth surface at thegeographic location, the rotating mechanism being configured to rotatethe solar panel system, the base shape and the crown shape beingconfigured to position the rotating mechanism so that the rotatingmechanism rotates about an axis that is substantially perpendicular tothe horizontal plane of the earth surface at the geographic location andso that the exposed solar panel surface maintains a substantiallyconsistent slope relative to the horizontal plane of the earth surfaceat the geographic location as the exposed solar panel surface rotates;and a control system configured to control the rotating mechanism torotate from a first azimuthal direction to a second azimuthal directionas the sun transitions across the sky, so that the exposed solar panelsurface more directly faces the sun to receive more sunlight.
 2. Thesolar panel system of claim 1, wherein the rotating crown includes aroof of a building.
 3. The solar panel system of claim 1, wherein therotating crown includes at least a portion of a greenhouse.
 4. The solarpanel system of claim 1, wherein the rotating mechanism includes amagnetic linear motor for power.
 5. The solar panel system of claim 1,wherein the rotating mechanism includes rolling wheels.
 6. The solarpanel system of claim 1, wherein the base support component includes aliquid for supporting the rotating crown.
 7. The solar panel system ofclaim 1, wherein the base support component includes a mechanism forgenerating magnetic levitation to support the rotating crown.
 8. Thesolar panel system of claim 1, wherein the base support componentincludes a liquid system, the liquid system including a fixed circularcanal having a same center as a center of rotation of the rotatingcrown, the fixed circular canal being filled with a liquid and having acircular skirt attached to the rotating mechanism, the circular skirtmoving in the liquid in the canal.
 9. The solar panel system of claim 1,further comprising an anti-lift system.
 10. The solar panel system ofclaim 1, further comprising a mechanism for preventing the rotatingcrown from drifting away from its path.
 11. A solar panel system,comprising: a base having a base attachment component and a base supportcomponent, the base attachment component configured to be attached to abuilding structure at a geographic location on the earth and to maintainthe base support component in a plane substantially parallel to thehorizontal plane of the earth surface at the geographic location; arotating crown having a crown support component, a crown attachmentcomponent and a rotating mechanism, the base support componentconfigured to support the crown support component, the rotatingmechanism configured to rotate the rotating crown relative to the baseso that the rotating crown rotates about an axis that is substantiallyperpendicular to the horizontal plane of the earth surface at thegeographic location; a solar panel system having a solar panelattachment component configured to be attached to the crown attachmentcomponent, the solar panel system having an exposed solar panel surfacedisposed in a sloped orientation relative to a horizontal plane of theearth surface at the geographic location, the exposed solar panelsurface maintaining a substantially consistent slope relative to thehorizontal plane of the earth surface at the geographic location as theexposed solar panel surface rotates; and a control system configured tocontrol the rotating mechanism to rotate from a first azimuthaldirection to a second azimuthal direction as the sun transitions acrossthe sky, so that the exposed solar panel surface more directly faces thesun to receive more sunlight.
 12. The solar panel system of claim 11,wherein the rotating crown includes a roof of a building.
 13. The solarpanel system of claim 11, wherein the rotating crown includes at least aportion of a greenhouse.
 14. The solar panel system of claim 11, whereinthe rotating mechanism includes a magnetic linear motor for power. 15.The solar panel system of claim 11, wherein the rotating mechanismincludes rolling wheels.
 16. The solar panel system of claim 11, whereinthe base support component includes a liquid for supporting the rotatingcrown.
 17. The solar panel system of claim 11, wherein the base supportcomponent includes a mechanism for generating magnetic levitation tosupport the rotating crown.
 18. The solar panel system of claim 11,wherein the base support component includes a liquid system, the liquidsystem including a fixed circular canal having a same center as a centerof rotation of the rotating crown, the fixed circular canal being filledwith a liquid and having a circular skirt attached to the rotatingmechanism, the circular skirt moving in the liquid in the canal.
 19. Thesolar panel system of claim 11, further comprising an anti-lift system.20. The solar panel system of claim 11, further comprising a mechanismfor preventing the rotating crown from drifting away from its path.